It did not come to many Nigerians as a surprise when the Federal Government, on Thursday, slammed fresh and amended charges against former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
These fresh charges were added in the case before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The amended charge sheet contains a total of 20 counts against Emefiele.
Part of the fresh allegations against Emefiele is that he had impersonated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
That was how he illegally obtained a sum of $6.2 million from the CBN, the charge claims.
Logistic Advance
The amended charge sheet is marked CR/577/2023 and dated February 8, 2023.
It was revealed that Emefiele connived with one Odoh Ocheme, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN.
They had claimed that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated 26th January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201″.
Emefiele even claimed that the SGF requested the CBN to release “a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000.00 in line with Mr. President’s directive”.
However, the EFCC claimed Emefiele lied intentionally about the request.
The agency noted: “And you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud.
“You have committed other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act”.
Forged Documents
Furthermore, in the amended charge, the anti-graft agency alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document.
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The document was entitled: “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS.”
It was dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.
Emefiele connived with the Ocheme, who is now on the run, to commit the “illegal act to wit: forgery”.
Emefiele was further accused of awarding a contract for the renovation of a portion of the CBN Governor’s residence in Lagos.
He awarded the contract worth of ₦99.8 million to his wife, Omoile Margret, and brother In-law, Omoile Macombo.
This contract went through the backdoor, hence, it was carried out through a company, Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Limited.
After the charges were heard, Justice Muazu adjourned till Friday, January 19, for Emefiele to take his plea on the amended charges.
On Friday, Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the charges.
