The embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, faces fresh charges filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Among the allegations, Emefiele stands accused of approving the printing of ₦684,590,000 at a cost of ₦18.96 billion.
Additionally, the anti-graft agency alleges Emefiele unlawfully approved the withdrawal of ₦124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.
Emefiele is set to be arraigned on a four-count charge, including disobeying the law to punish Nigerians, illegal money printing, abuse of office, and other offenses.
The arraignment, scheduled for April 30, 2024, follows a detailed investigation by the EFCC.
According to the charge sheets, Emefiele is accused of knowingly disobeying the direction of Section 19 of the CBN Act, 2007, by approving the printing of color-swapped currency notes without proper authorization.
These actions are alleged to have caused injury to the public, constituting offenses under Nigerian law.
Count One pertains to the printing of ₦1,000 notes, while Count Two relates to ₦500 notes, and Count Three involves ₦200 notes.
Count Four accuses Emefiele of approving the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation in a manner not prescribed by the National Assembly.
The charges, dated April 2, 2024, and marked Suit No: CR/264/2024, were filed by EFCC’s top prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
