CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has approved the former Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele’s plea to travel outside the FCT, with the condition that he stays within the country. Initially restricted to the FCT under his bail terms, Emefiele sought a modification of these terms through his lawyer, Mathew Bukka, SAN. The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), represented by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, did not object but insisted that Emefiele provide a written undertaking to remain in the country.

Furthermore, the charges against Emefiele were amended from 6 to 20, now encompassing criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Previously granted bail on December 24, 2023, in the sum of N300 million with two sureties, Emefiele, released from the Kuje Correctional Centre, had his lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, confirm the fulfillment of bail conditions. Emefiele faces accusations of procurement fraud, specifically awarding a contract for the procurement of 43 vehicles worth N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020, thereby conferring a corrupt advantage on Sa’adatu Yaro, a CBN staff. During his remand in Kuje, Emefiele was required to surrender all travel documents to the court registrar and remain within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).