Emefiele’s woes continue
On Monday, new allegations led to the prosecution of Godwin Emefiele, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) then took custody of him.
The Lagos High Court prosecuted Ikeja on allegations of office abuse and billion-dollar misappropriation.
However, after reading the charge to them, both Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, entered not guilty pleas to all 26 counts.Nevertheless, the trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, issued an order for Emefiele to remain in the custody of the EFCC while in detention.
He will remain in remand until the next scheduled adjournment on Thursday, April 11, at which point the court will render a decision regarding his parole application.
Henry Omoile, a co-defendant of Emefiele, was also remanded to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre by Justice Rahman Oshodi, pending the court’s decision on his parole on Thursday.
During the proceedings, the defendants sought bail pending their verdict.Emefiele made a specific request to the court, requesting that it either release him to his counsel pending the resolution of the case or grant him parole on self-recognition pending the hearing and verdict of his case.
Abdul Hakeem Labi-Lawal, his attorney, argued that the court ought to take into account his social standing.”For nine years, Emefiele was the leading banker in Nigeria,” stated the attorney.Additionally, the attorney requested that the court evaluate Emefiele’s behaviour subsequent to his apprehension.
“Justice Muazu has granted Emefiele bail, and he has been a regular attendee at his trial before the FCT High Court.” Since the grant of parole, he has not missed a single hearing date, and the prosecution is nearing the conclusion of the case. The defence attorney stated,
“The defendant has consistently appeared in court to respond to the allegations levied against him.”Additionally, the attorney stated that this charge in Lagos is merely one of several, and Emefiele is expected to appear in Abuja the following week on a different set of charges.
By Nnaemeka Odenigbo
