The anticipated arraignment of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), hit a roadblock due to the absence of his two co-accused during the court proceedings.
While Emefiele was present in court, the two other defendants were reportedly unable to attend due to health reasons.
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Emefiele faces a fresh charge, filed by the federal government at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, accusing him of involvement in a N6.9 billion procurement fraud scheme.
In response to a request for an adjournment, Justice Hamza Muazu, the presiding judge, postponed the proceedings to August 23, 2023.
The initial plan was to arraign Emefiele alongside Sa’adatu Yaro, a female employee of the CBN, and her company, April1616 Investment Limited, on a 20-count charge encompassing procurement fraud, conspiracy, and granting illicit benefits to associates.
Emefiele, currently embroiled in legal troubles and detained since his suspension on June 9, 2023, stands accused of offering corrupt advantages to Sa’adatu Yaro, a director at April1616 Investment Ltd.
This alleged offense falls under the provisions of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.