The federal government has arraigned the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
Mr Emefiele was brought before a federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday by the State Security Services (SSS). He pleaded not guilty.
– Key details to note
Mr Emefiele was arrested by the SSS on June 10, just hours after he was removed from his post by President Bola Tinubu. He has remained in their custody since. His tenure was scheduled to end in June 2024.
The State Security Service (SSS) accuses the former CBN governor of breaching national security rules and is investigating whether he committed economic sabotage and corruption.
Mr Emefiele has denied the allegations and says he is a victim of a political witch-hunt.
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In his bail application filed on June 13, Mr Emefiele said that former President Muhammadu Buhari, who handed power over to Mr Tinubu in late May, was “eminently satisfied with the monetary policies” pursued by Mr Emefiele.
He said in his bail application that he is “ready and willing to face any lawful inquiry” into his conduct, according to Bloomberg.
An Abuja high court on July 13 ordered Mr Emefiele’s release within one week but he remained in custody, with the SSS saying he had been charged in compliance with the court order.
The SSS later filed two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition against Mr Emefiele before the Lagos court.
– Arraignment
Mr Emefiele was brought to court on Tuesday in a white pick-up at about 9.20 am. He wore a cream jellabiya and was quickly led into the court building by security.
Mr Emefiele was arraigned before the vacation judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, according to Channels TV.
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