In a recent development, the Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the remand of the former Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, in the Kuje Correctional Centre until November 22. The decision was handed down by Justice Hamza Muazu, who also scheduled the hearing of Emefiele’s bail application for the same date.
Emefiele faces a six-count charge related to procurement, brought against him by the Federal Government. Originally framed as 20 counts amounting to N6.5 billion, the charges were reduced to six, totaling N1.6 billion. Notably, Emefiele is the sole defendant in the revised charge.
According to the amended charge sheet, the Federal Government alleges that Emefiele engaged in the illegal purchase of 43 vehicles between 2018 and 2020, amounting to N1.2 billion. The charges also include accusations of awarding contracts for the procurement of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles valued at N854 million, as well as conferring corrupt advantage by awarding a contract for the supply of a Toyota Landcruiser V8 to April1616 Investment Ltd. at the cost of N73 million.
During his court appearance on Friday, Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case proceedings have been adjourned until November 22 for the ruling on Emefiele’s bail application and November 28 for the commencement of the trial. In the interim, Justice Hamza Muazu has ordered the remand of Emefiele at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
