Nigeria: EFCC’s Evolving Legal Saga: Amended Charges and Travel Permission for Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
In the ongoing legal proceedings involving the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has introduced an amended 20-count charge against him. The case, which initially centered on an alleged breach of procurement procedures in awarding a contract to April1616 Investment Limited, has taken a new turn with the expanded charges, including forgery, conferring corrupt advantage, and criminal breach of trust, among others.
Initially, the EFCC had filed six counts against Emefiele, specifically related to the procurement Act and the purchase of vehicles through April1616 Investment Limited. However, in a recent turn of events, the anti-graft agency has heightened its allegations against the former CBN governor, now totaling 20 counts.
The legal drama began in August 2023, and Emefiele, along with Sa’adatu Yaro and April 1616 Investment Limited, faced charges related to the procurement Act. The charges stemmed from the purchase of vehicles and were initially presented in six counts.
In November 2023, the EFCC amended the charges, reducing them from 20 to six, with Emefiele as the sole defendant. Subsequently, he pleaded not guilty, and Justice Hamza Muazu granted him bail in the sum of N300 million. The bail conditions included two sureties in the same amount, possessing property in the Maitama district of Abuja. Emefiele was also required to submit his travel documents and remain within Abuja during the trial period.
However, the legal saga took another twist as the EFCC filed yet another amended charge, now comprising 20 counts, just a day before the recent court appearance. The new charges encompass more serious offenses, adding complexity to the already intricate case.
In response to the amended charges, Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), requested time to thoroughly examine the new charge sheet. Justice Muazu, acknowledging the need for proper preparation, adjourned the case until the following day for the arraignment.
Simultaneously, Emefiele sought a variation of the bail conditions to allow him to travel within the country. His counsel, Burkaa, informed the court of the defendant’s motion, dated January 10, requesting a modification of the bail conditions. The prosecution did not object but urged the court to ensure Emefiele remains within Nigeria during the trial.
In a ruling on the application, Justice Muazu granted the request, allowing Emefiele to travel within the country while emphasizing that he must stay within Nigeria for the duration of the trial.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to evolve, presenting a complex legal landscape with shifting charges and conditions. The arraignment and subsequent developments will shed further light on the intricacies of the allegations against the former CBN governor.
