Judge Orders Remand of Former CBN Governor Emefiele over Alleged Fraud
In a significant legal development, the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has directed the remand of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Rahman Oshodi issued the remand order concerning alleged abuse of office and involvement in a $5.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud case.
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Meanwhile, Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoile, was ordered to be detained at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.
The counsel for the defendants, Mr. A. Labi-Lawal, presented two bail applications to the court, urging for the defendants to be granted bail on self-recognition and liberal terms pending the case’s determination.
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Labi-Lawal argued in his 31 affidavits that Emefiele had complied with bail conditions set by Justice Muazu in a separate fraud trial case in Abuja. He emphasized that the charges against Emefiele were bailable offenses and not capital offenses.
The first defendant was granted administrative bail by the prosecuting authority. He is seeking bail based on self-recognition and is ready to attend court,” Labi-Lawal stated.
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He also highlighted Emefiele’s status as the former CBN governor and his commitment to appearing before Justice Muazu in Abuja to address the allegations against him.
Both Emefiele and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty to the 26-count charge, which includes allegations of abuse of office, accepting gratification, corruption, and fraudulent property receipt.
While the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail application, he urged the court to exercise discretion judiciously in granting bail to the defendants.
Following the plea of the defendants, the prosecution requested a trial date, signaling the progression of legal proceedings in the case.
