Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was seen sobbing in court as he was being charged with alleged N6.9 billion fraud.
News About Nigeria reports that Mr Emefiele who appeared before the Federal High Court in Lagos was later transported to Abuja for the hearing on the alleged N6.9 billion fraud.
As the Abuja Court adjourned the hearing over the absence of the second defendant many were shocked to see the once-powerful CBN governor in tears.
The absence of Sa’adatu Yaro, a defendant in a corruption and conspiracy case brought against them by the Federal government, caused the case to be postponed until August 23, 2023.
After the adjournment, Emefiele could be seen sobbing as several of his solicitors comforted him. Among other things, conspiracy and procurement fraud were alleged to have been committed by Emefiele, Yaro, and a company called April 1616 Investment Ltd.
Additionally, he is charged with giving illicit benefits of N6.9 billion to his accomplices, including Yaro, who is alleged to have been a director in April 1616.
News About Nigeria recalls that the Federal High Court in Lagos struck out the illegal possession of firearm case earlier filed against the embattled bank boss by the Department of States Services.
The court’s decision to strike out the case came after the DSS requested that the case be struck out as the President Bola TInubu-led government filed fresh 20-count charges against Mr. Emefiele.
However, prominent Nigerians have persisted in urging the DSS to follow the court’s judgment granting Mr. Emefiele bail. The DSS argued that the leader of the bank should remain in custody because of the results of its most recent investigation.
