The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, appeared at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday, donned in a striking blue Guinea Brocade babaringa complemented by a Hausa cap, as he faced corruption charges brought forth by the Federal Government.
Emefiele, represented by his lead counsel, Mathew Burkaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), appeared in compliance with a court order for arraignment, vehemently denying the six-count charges levelled against him. The charges stem from allegations of bestowing corrupt benefits upon a CBN staff member, Mrs Saadat Ramalan Yaro, through the awarding of various contracts.
Leading the legal team for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, who is prosecuting the defendant on behalf of the Federal Government.
As of the latest update, a heated legal tussle ensued regarding Emefiele’s bail application pending his trial, with Justice Hamza Muazu expected to deliver a ruling on the matter.