By Oluwayanmife Ayobami
In a significant development in the ongoing trial, the High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the remand of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the decision on his bail request.
Emefiele is facing trial over alleged involvement in procurement fraud.
The trial, which had faced multiple delays, finally proceeded on Friday.
READ ALSO: CSO defends suspended Emefiele, calls allegations a witch-hunt
There were 20 Charges
Initially faced with 20 charges relating to procurement fraud amounting to N6.5 billion against the former CBN governor, the Federal Government reduced the charges to six, totaling over N1 billion, during Emefiele’s arraignment on Friday.
During the court proceedings on Friday, Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa SAN, filed a bail application.
However, the counsel representing the Federal Government, Rotimi Oyedepo, vehemently opposed granting bail to the former CBN governor.
The case needed time
Presiding Judge Justice Hamza Muazu deliberated on the matter, citing the extensive array of legal references presented by both parties.
He expressed the need for time to thoroughly examine the presented evidence and precedents cited in support of Emefiele’s bail request.
Despite the bail application, Justice Muazu ordered Emefiele’s remand at the Kuje prison until the determination of the bail application. The judge scheduled November 22 for the ruling on the bail request and November 28 for the commencement of the trial.
This remand order follows a previous directive from Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, who had ordered Emefiele’s release to his lawyers on November 8 after spending 151 days in detention.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications on the former CBN governor. Emefiele’s legal team continues to advocate for his release, while the Federal Government remains steadfast in its opposition to granting bail.
READ ALSO: Arraignment of Emefiele was postponed due to defendant’s absence
Emefiele’s arraignment postponed, possible plea deal in consideration
In another story, the scheduled arraignment of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on charges of breach of procurement laws and contract inflation, has been postponed indefinitely.
The arraignment, originally set for Wednesday in a Federal Capital Territory High Court, was not included in the day’s proceedings.
Reportedly, the delay in the arraignment came at the request of Emefiele, who is currently in detention.
