The Federal government has added more charges to its case against embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele was arraigned on six count charges at a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, on corruption charges of forgery and criminal breach of trust. But 14 more charges have been added.
In the amended charge, Emefiele was accused of obtaining the sum of $6.2 million by pretence by falsely representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.
The government said the offence was contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
The charge reads, “That you, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele male, adult, and Odoh, Eric Ocheme (Still at large) on or about the 8th day of February 2023 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly obtained by false pretence, the sum of Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand United State Dollar ($6,230,000.00) by falsely representing that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated 26th January, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 requested the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000.00 “in line with Mr. President’s directive” which representation you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence.”
Meanwhile the court has granted Emefiele permission to travel within the country, after prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, raised no objection to an application by Emefiele’s counsel Matthew Burkaa, for an amendment to his bail conditions to enable him move within the country. The court had ordered the former CBN governor to deposit his traveling document and remain in Abuja for the duration of the trial.
Godwin Emefiele