On Thursday, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and his associates are set to appear in the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, where they will face charges related to a N6.9 billion procurement fraud.
The charges include allegations of conspiracy, conferring corrupt advantages, and procurement fraud.
Emefiele, along with Sa’adatu Yaro, a female CBN employee, and her company, April1616 Investment Limited, are facing a total of 20 charges.
Emefiele, who has been in detention since his suspension on June 9 by President Bola Tinubu, is accused of conferring corrupt advantages on Yaro by awarding contracts to her company.
The charges specify instances where contracts for vehicles, including Toyota Hilux vehicles, armoured Mercedes Benz buses, Toyota Landcruisers, and a Toyota Avalon car, were allegedly awarded at inflated costs.
These actions are said to be in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
If found guilty, Emefiele may face a sentence of five years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The charges are supported by evidence from witnesses including officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the case has raised concerns about potential abuse of legal processes and court orders.
In a separate matter, a Federal High Court in Lagos is considering withdrawing charges of illegal possession of firearms against Emefiele, with arguments surrounding the government’s adherence to court orders.
