The arraignment of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja for suspected procurement fraud amounting to N6.9 billion has been postponed due to the absence of the second defendant, who is believed to be ill.
Although Emefiele (the first defendant) was present in court today (Thursday), the second defendant, Sa’adatu Yaro, a female CBN employee, was not.
Following an adjournment request, the Presiding Judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, rescheduled the case for August 23, 2023.
Emefiele and Yaro’s company, April1616 Investment Limited, will be charged with 20 counts of procurement fraud, conspiracy, and conferring corrupt favors on his friends.
The controversial central bank governor, who has been detained since his suspension from office on June 9, 2023, was accused of bestowing corrupt benefits on Yaro, a director of April 1616 Investment Ltd.
Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000 prohibits the offence.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Lagos scheduled a judgement on the Federal Government’s appeal to remove the “illegal possession of firearm charge” filed against Emefiele for today (Thursday).
