Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele has found himself in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following fresh charges leveled against him.
Accused of alleged abuse of office and involvement in the allocation of substantial funds, Emefiele stood alongside co-defendant Henry Omoile as the 26-count charge was read out. Both individuals pleaded not guilty to all counts during the arraignment.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, presiding over the proceedings, ordered Emefiele’s remand in EFCC custody until the next adjourned date, set for Thursday, April 11, when a decision will be made regarding his bail application.
In addition to Emefiele’s detention, Justice Oshodi also ordered the remand of his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the court’s ruling on his bail application, also scheduled for Thursday.
Emefiele’s legal team, led by AbdulHakeem Labi-Lawal, petitioned the court for bail, citing his status as the former top banker in Nigeria and his consistent attendance and compliance with legal proceedings since his initial arrest.
Labi-Lawal while noting Emefiele’s track record of attending court hearings promptly and without fail, said his client had remained consistent and has no flight risk since the case began.
