FG Broadens Charges Against Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele
The Federal Government has amended the charges against former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, Excel Magazine International can report.
Initially centered around N6.9 billion procurement fraud, the charges, involving forgery, conferring of corrupt advantages, and criminal breach of trust, have surged from six to 20.
The government had initially lodged 19 charges related to the procurement fraud but later consolidated it to six, accusing Emefiele of misappropriating N1.2 billion.
The amended charges now allege that Emefiele falsely obtained $6.2 million by misrepresenting the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to the amended charge, “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.”
Furthermore, Emefiele is accused of conspiring with Eric Ocheme to commit forgery, an act contrary to Section 96 (1) and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89 Laws of the Federation, 1990.
The amended charges reflect a more intricate legal landscape, intensifying the legal scrutiny on the former CBN Governor.
