The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, on Monday, remanded the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, back into the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This decision was made by Justice Rahman Oshodi after Emefiele was arraigned on 23 counts related to allegations including abuse of office, accepting gratifications, corrupt demands, fraudulent receipt of property, and conferring corrupt advantage.
Emefiele, along with co-defendant Henry Isioma-Omoile, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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While Justice Oshodi ordered Emefiele to be remanded in EFCC custody, Isioma-Omoile was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre where he was already held.
The judge adjourned the case until Thursday, April 11, 2024, to hear their bail applications.
This development marks Emefiele’s return to EFCC custody approximately four and a half months after his initial release in November 2023.
During the proceedings, Emefiele’s lawyer hinted at a fresh arraignment scheduled between April 25 and 26, which would be the fourth criminal case against him since his removal from office in June 2023.
The EFCC prosecutor accused Emefiele of abusing his authority as CBN Governor by allocating significant sums of foreign exchange without proper procedure, as well as accepting corrupt payments from various sources.
The charges against Emefiele and Isioma-Omoile are based on provisions of the Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Act 2000 and the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.
The defense counsel argued for bail on liberal terms, emphasizing Emefiele’s status and commitment to attending trial.
Despite not opposing the bail applications, the prosecution requested a closed session for some witnesses due to safety concerns.
Justice Oshodi ordered Emefiele to remain in EFCC custody and returned Isioma-Omoile to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The case was adjourned until April 11, 2024, for ruling on the bail applications and commencement of trial.
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