FG reduces charges against Godwin Emefiele, to 6 counts

The Federal Government has slashed the charges against ex-Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele from an initial 20 to just six counts.
The charges, centred on alleged procurement fraud, have been significantly downscaled from an initial N6.5 billion to N1.2 billion.
The amended charges implicate Emefiele in purportedly conferring advantages on a CBN staff member, Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro, and her company, April1616 Investment Ltd.
The accusations detail instances where contracts for the supply of various vehicles were allegedly awarded to April1616 Investment Ltd., where Yaro holds a directorship.
In the amended charge sheet marked CR/577/2023, sighted by The Punch on Wednesday, Emefiele is the only defendant in the new charge.
The case, initially filed in August, has faced numerous setbacks, including Emefiele’s absence during court proceedings when the Department of State Services failed to produce him.
Further complicating matters, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress’ strike paused the arraignment process.