Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has pleaded not guilty to the 26-count charge of abuse of office leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Following his arraignment before a Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Justice Rahman Oshodi remanded Emefiele in EFCC custody until Thursday, pending the determination of his bail application.
Emefiele’s co-defendant, Herry Omoile, was also remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Abdulakeem Ladi-Lawal, sought bail for his client, proposing self-recognition or the most lenient terms.
He requested similar bail conditions granted by another court in Abuja and requested Emefiele’s release to his legal team while bail terms were finalized.
Although the EFCC did not oppose bail, its counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the judge to set conditions ensuring the defendants’ presence at trial.
The charges against Emefiele and Omoile include accepting gratification, receiving gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent property acquisition.
Additionally, Emefiele is accused of conferring corrupt advantages on associates, contrary to the Corrupt Practices Act of 2000.
Emefiele faces separate EFCC prosecution in Abuja for alleged fraudulent financial transactions during his tenure as CBN governor.
