By Joke Kujenya
GODWIN EMEFIELE, the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), faced the FCT High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, where he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge involving allegations of financial impropriety, including approving the printing of N684.5 million at an exorbitant rate of N18.96 billion.
Presiding over the case, Justice Maryann Anenih heard the EFCC’s claims that Emefiele had willfully disobeyed legal directives with the intent to harm public interest.
These allegations are connected to his management of the controversial naira swap policy under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The EFCC contends that Emefiele’s actions were not only injurious to the public but also illegal.
Additionally, Emefiele is accused of sanctioning the unauthorized withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.
This latest arraignment marks the third set of charges filed against the former CBN Governor, further intensifying the legal scrutiny surrounding his tenure at the apex bank.
More details are being awaited as the case continues to draw significant attention as it unfolds in the nation’s capital.