Federal Government Files 20 Fresh Charges Against Emefiele

The federal government has filed 20 fresh charges against the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Naija News understands the charges were filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

One of the counts accuses Emefiele of “conferring unlawful advantages”.

As earlier reported by Naija News, the Federal Government on Tuesday, made an oral application before Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to withdraw a charge against suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The application made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Bakodo Abubakar was to withdraw the “illegal possession of firearms” charges against Emefiele.

The Judge however adjourned the matter till Thursday, August 17.

Speaking with journalists after the day’s proceedings Mr. Abubakar disclosed that there was a pending 20-count charge against Mr Emefiele at the FCT high court, which involves allegedly conferring unlawful advantages bordering on procurement under the ICPC Act.

Why DSS Did Not Release Emefiele

Speaking further on why the Department of State Services (DSS) has not released Emefiele despite the court order, Abubakar said there were administrative protocols to be followed by the DSS before its transfer of a detainee to another agency, which is responsible for its non-compliance with the court order yet.

It would be recalled that Emefiele was on July 25 granted a N20million bail on a two-count charge of alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

However, the DSS after a scuffle with correctional officials on the court premises, rearrested Emefiele and took him away.