The Federal Government has reduced the charges against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, from 20 to 6 counts. The charges are related to alleged procurement fraud, which has been downscaled from an initial N6.5 billion to N1.2 billion. The amended charges accuse Emefiele of giving undue advantage to a CBN staff member, Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro, and her company, April1616 Investment Ltd. According to the allegations, contracts for the supply of various vehicles were awarded to April1616 Investment Ltd., where Yaro holds a directorship.
In the amended charge sheet marked CR/577/2023, sighted by The Punch on Wednesday, Emefiele is the only defendant in the new charge.
The case, initially filed in August, has faced numerous setbacks, including Emefiele’s absence during court proceedings when the Department of State Services failed to produce him.
Further complicating matters, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress’ strike paused the arraignment process.