Dying: The past few weeks have not been the best of times for suspended governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele.
Bellnews recalls that President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele to allow for investigations into alleged abuse of office during his tenure at the apex bank.
The former CBN governor was later arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over an allegation of illegal firearm possession.
The matter was charged to a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
As the federal government sought to throw out that case in Lagos, it filed another 20-count charge against Emefiele and two of his associates.
The federal government accused Emefiele of illegally procuring vehicles worth N6.9 billion.
Emefiele was accused of conferring corrupt advantages on Sa’adatu Yaro, a CBN director and April 1616 Investment Ltd.
During the Thursday hearing, Emefiele, visibly frustrated, became emotional before proceedings began.
“I’m dying,” Emefiele was quoted to have said as his lawyers encamped around where he was docked.
The former CBN governor was also seen hiding from photojournalists who wanted to take pictures of him.
Emefiele’s trial was, however, adjourned following the absence of one of his associates, Yaro.
Justice Hamza Muazu, however, fixed August 23 for Emefiele’s arraignment.
DSS operatives whisked Emiefele away in their vehicle after the adjournment.
Former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele in court today. pic.twitter.com/UrFIklZZN0
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 17, 2023