Emefiele Reacts to Allegations of Fraud Levelled Against Him
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has refuted claims made by the CBN’s private investigator, Jim Obazee.
Emefiele categorically denies lodging £543,482,213 in UK banks without authorization and other accusations.
His denial comes in the wake of an exclusive report, revealing Obazee’s findings that billions of naira were illegally stashed in 593 foreign bank accounts, spanning the United States, United Kingdom, and China, without approval from the CBN board or its Investment Committee.
In a statement released on Sunday night titled “Re: Emefiele, others stole billions, illegally kept Nigeria’s funds in foreign banks,” Emefiele dismissed the report as misleading and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation for the benefit of the private investigator.
Emefiele acknowledged the legal advice not to comment extensively due to ongoing court proceedings but addresses specific points in the report.
He refuted claims of lacking presidential approval for the Naira redesign, asserting that such approval was provided to Obazee during the investigation.
Additionally, Emefiele challenged the allegation of a $6.23 million withdrawal from the CBN vault based on a false presidential directive, asserting that he had no knowledge of such a document and calls on Obazee to publish it.
Emefiele vehemently denied involvement in the opening of the 593 foreign accounts, emphasizing that these activities fall under the lawful mandate of relevant CBN departments. He aligns himself with those calling for a transparent investigation into the alleged fraud.
In response to the damaging report, Emefiele announced his intention to pursue legal action against what he deems as defamatory statements, affirming his commitment to clearing his name.
