Kuje Prison: Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, on Friday ordered the remand of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in Kuje prison. This remand is to continue until the determination of his request for bail.
The original charge, initially consisting of 20 counts amounting to N6.5 billion, has been reduced to six counts totaling N1.6 billion. Emefiele is now the sole defendant in the amended charge, which continues to focus on allegations of procurement fraud.
The Federal Government contends that Emefiele illegally procured 43 vehicles worth N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020. Specific accusations include the awarding of contracts for the supply of Toyota Hilux and Landcruiser vehicles, valuing N854 million and N73 million, respectively.
Justice Muazu adjourned the case until November 22 for the ruling on Emefiele’s bail application and November 28 for the commencement of the trial. Emefiele will remain in Kuje prison until November 22, awaiting the court’s decision on his bail motion.
His lead counsel, Mathew Burkaa SAN, moved the bail application, which was contested by Rotimi Oyedepo on behalf of the Federal Government. The judge expressed the need for time to study the arguments and authorities presented before delivering a ruling.
As of now, officials from the Kuje prison authority have been contacted to transport Emefiele to prison. Further updates will follow.
