By Oluwatosin Maliki
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has found himself in hot water once again.
He was arrested and is currently being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at their National Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
Emefiele’s troubles escalated swiftly, as he was taken into custody by EFCC operatives just hours after being released from the Department of State Services (DSS) grasp. A credible source has revealed that the EFCC is investigating him for alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as CBN governor.
The source disclosed, “Yes, Emefiele is currently in our (EFCC) custody; he was arrested last night less than an hour after the DSS freed him. He’s currently being interrogated at the Headquarters, as he’s being investigated for alleged misappropriation of funds amongst other things during his term as CBN governor.”
This development suggests that fresh charges may be brought against the former CBN Governor by the EFCC. However, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has not yet officially confirmed these developments.
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Emefiele’s legal woes have been ongoing since his suspension by President Bola Tinubu, leading to an investigation by the Department of State Services in June. Subsequently, he was asked to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, the then deputy governor of the operations directorate at the apex bank.
In July, Emefiele faced a two-count charge related to the “illegal possession” of firearms, but he was later granted bail in the sum of N20 million. The two-count charge was withdrawn by the Federal Government on August 17, but a fresh 20-count charge was filed against him, including alleged conspiracy to commit procurement fraud.
It has been reported that Emefiele proposed a plea bargain agreement with the Federal Government, which required his resignation as CBN governor and the forfeiture of certain assets. On September 22, the CBN officially confirmed Emefiele’s resignation, following the appointment of Olayemi Cardoso as his successor at the apex bank.