By Oluwayanmife Ayobami
Benjamin Fakunle, the recently retired Finance Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been arrested and detained by the Department of State Service (DSS).
Reports suggest that Fakunle’s arrest is related to the investigation into the seven-year audited accounts of the CBN, which are being accused of not complying with accounting and reporting guidelines.
The Secret Service reportedly apprehended Fakunle at his retirement party in Abuja on Wednesday, and he has been in custody ever since.
READ ALSO: Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele to be arraigned for ₦6.9 Billion procurement fraud
He is to explain the payment of N401 million
It is alleged that he is being questioned about the utilization of accounting guidelines that allegedly deviated from the provisions of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the preparation of the published accounts of the CBN.
Furthermore, Fakunle is required to explain the reason behind the alleged payment of N401 million for the document, which goes against the rules laid down by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.
It is part of Emefiele’s case
This arrest is part of a broader investigation being conducted by Jim Obazee, the Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
Following the arrest and prosecution of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, President Tinubu initiated the probe into the apex bank.
It is understood that the investigation has already seen the questioning of CBN’s deputy governors and other senior officials as part of an ongoing audit.
Emefiele has been in DSS custody since his arrest on June 10, 2023, which came a day after President Tinubu removed him from office.
READ ALSO: Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele charged to court by DSS following court order
President Tinubu Suspends CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele
Godwin Emefiele has been suspended as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
On Friday, June 9, the secretary’s office informed the federal government (SGF) of his suspension. As stated in the suspension notice, Emefiele was told to leave his office immediately.
In a statement released on Friday, June 9, Willie Bassey, director of communication for the SGF office, underlined that the suspension is effective immediately.
