The charges against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, have been amended by the Federal Government. The new indictment, filed with the Federal Capital Territory High Court, includes accusations of forgery, conferring of corrupt advantage, and criminal breach of trust, in addition to the initial procurement fraud allegations.
Initially, 19 charges were filed in August 2023, focusing on alleged procurement fraud during Emefiele’s tenure at the CBN. However, the government later narrowed down the charges to six. The latest amendment has led to an increase in the charges to 20.
Rotimi Oyedepo, the counsel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has served the defense team with the amended charge. Mathew Burkaa, Emefiele’s counsel, has requested some time to study the new charge before his client can enter a plea.
The presiding judge, Hamza Mu’azu, has adjourned the case to Friday, January 19.