Fresh troubles appear to be brewing for the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele as the Federal Government again amended the charges against him on offences allegedly committed while in office.
Recall that Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had earlier granted the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele’s request to travel out of the FCT.
The earlier charges have been increased from six to 20, bordering on forgery, conferring of corrupt advantage, and criminal breach of trust among others.
The Federal Government had initially filed 19 charges against the former CBN governor bordering on N6.9bn procurement fraud but pruned it down to six to the tune of N1.2bn which he is currently standing trial on.
In the amended charge, Emefiele was accused of obtaining the sum of $6.2m by pretence by falsely representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The government said the offence was contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.
He was also accused of conniving with one Eric Ocheme who has been at large to commit forgery.
The government said the offence was contrary to section 96 (1) and punishable under section 364 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89 Laws Federation, 1990.
Emefiele was also accused of conferring corrupt advantage on his wife Omoile Margret and Brother In-law Omoile Macombo by awarding a contract for the renovation of a portion of the CBN Governor's residence in Lagos to the tune of N99.8m.
The government said the offence was contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
Emefiele's counsel, Mathew Bukka, SAN, pleaded with the court for time, adding that the amended charge was served on them on Wednesday.
The trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the matter till Friday January 19, for fresh plea of Emefiele to be taken in the new charges.
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