Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele faced a barrage of charges today as he pleaded not guilty before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Dressed in an ash-coloured pair of trousers and a dark jacket, Emefiele, flanked by his legal team and a few aides, confronted the 20-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include allegations of corrupt practices and forgery.
Initially facing six counts related to N1.2bn procurement allegations, the EFCC amended the charges with the court’s approval. Emefiele’s plea of not guilty sets the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes legal battle.
Trial judge Hamza Muazu swiftly adjourned the case to February 12 and 13, 2024, signalling the beginning of what is expected to be a closely-watched and protracted legal process.
