…Emefiele weeps in court
The arraignment of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele has been postponed by the Federal High Court, Abuja due to the absence of the first and second defendants, who are allegedly ill.
Emefiele, along with the other defendants were charged with an alleged N6.9 billion procurement fraud.
But only the suspended CBN governor appeared in court Thursday.
The matter was postponed to August 23, 2023, by the presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, in response to a request for delay.
Emefiele will be charged with 20 counts of procurement fraud, conspiracy, and providing corrupt benefits to his accomplices together with a female CBN employee – Sa’adatu Yaro and her business, April1616 Investment Limited.
The embattled apex bank leader, who has been detained since he was removed from office on June 9, 2023, was charged with giving Yaro, a director of April 1616 Investment Ltd., corrupt favours.
The activities in question contravene the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000’s Section 19.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Lagos will sit on Thursday to consider a request by the Federal Government to withdraw the “illegal possession of firearm charge” against Emefiele.
Emefiele weeps in court
The suspended CBN Governor wept in Court on Thursday after the High court of the Federal Capital Territory adjourned his arraignment to August 23, 2023.
He was seen weeping after the adjournment, while being consoled by some of his lawyers.
Emefiele was brought to court by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Immediately after the proceedings, Emefiele was returned to operatives of the Department of the State Service (DSS) who brought him to court under heavy security.
