Absence Of Defendants Stalls Emefiele’s Arraignment In Abuja

The arraignment of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been stalled due to the absence of two other co-accused in court.

The duo was said to be indisposed, while Emefiele was, however, present in court.

Emefiele is facing a fresh charge before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja preferred against him and others by the federal government, was accused of N6.9 billion procurement fraud.

Following an application for adjournment, the presiding Judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the matter to August 23, 2023.

Emefiele was expected to be arraigned alongside a female CBN employee, Sa’adatu Yaro, and her company, April1616 Investment Limited, on a 20-count charge of procurement fraud, conspiracy, and conferring corrupt advantages on his associates.

The embattled apex bank chief, who has been in detention a few days after he was suspended from office on June 9, 2023, was accused of conferring corrupt advantages on Yaro, a director in April 1616 Investment Ltd.

The offence is contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.