Former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, yesterday, entered his plea at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on fresh criminal charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
The four counts preferred against the CBN ex-governor border on illegal printing of naira bills and unlawful withdrawal of funds from the consolidated revenue account.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Emefiele allegedly, without the President’s approval, fraudulently directed the printing of N684 million notes with a whopping N18.96 billion against the CBN Act.
At yesterday’s proceedings, the CBN former governor pleaded not guilty to the charges and prayed the court for bail.
Emefiele’s counsel, Mahmoud Magaji (SAN), in the bail application, prayed the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition or in the same term as granted by a sister court presided over by Justice Hamza Mauzu, where he is also standing trial on criminal charge.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedipo (SAN), did not oppose the bail application but demanded the defendant’s lawyer to amend certain paragraphs of his motion for bail, which the senior lawyer agreed to.
Justice Mariam Anenih consequently admitted Emefiele to bail in the sum of N300 million.
“I am of the view that cogent reasons are advanced for the defendant to be admitted to bail, and accordingly granted the application,” the Judge held.
The bond includes two sureties, who must be owners of landed property within Maitama and the original document submitted to the court.
The court added that the defendant must not travel outside the country without obtaining the leave of the court.
Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned till May 28 and 29 for hearing.
