The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, into custody shortly after his release from Department of State Services (DSS) detention, according to reports.
Emefiele is currently undergoing interrogation at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja. Sources suggest that the anti-graft agency is investigating Emefiele over allegations of impropriety and compromise during his tenure as the head of the apex bank.
An EFCC source told The Guardian, “Yes, Emefiele is currently in our 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, among other things, during his term as CBN governor.”
The source added that the EFCC may file fresh charges against the former CBN Governor due to the numerous allegations levelled against him.
In June, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele, and subsequently, he was taken into custody by the DSS. He was arraigned on a two-count charge related to the illegal possession of firearms at a Federal High Court in Lagos, and he was granted bail in the sum of N20 million.
Later, the two-count charge was dismissed, but a fresh 20-count charge, including allegations of fraudulent procurement and conspiracy, was brought against him.
Here’s a summary of the situation:
DSS Detention
June 2023: Godwin Emefiele was initially held in detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Reason: The exact reasons for his detention by the DSS have not been explicitly stated in the provided information.
Release: However, he was recently released from DSS custody.
EFCC Arrest
October 2023: After his release from DSS custody, Godwin Emefiele was immediately picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Charges: The EFCC has reportedly arrested and detained him, but specific charges against him have not been mentioned.
Legal Developments
Court Order: A High Court sitting in Abuja invalidated his arrest and detention, granting an order following an application by Emefiele.
Additional Charges: Prior to this, Nigeria had filed 20 new charges against him, including one related to possessing a firearm.
In summary, Godwin Emefiele’s situation involves legal complexities, with different agencies being involved. The exact reasons behind these actions remain unclear.
