Ex-Nigerian Central Bank head gets bail after 6 months in prison

In June, Godwin Emefiele was arrested by secret police and arraigned in court on allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and possession of firearms

By Timothy Olanrewaju

ABUJA, Nigeria (AA) – After six months in prison, on Wednesday a Nigeria Central Bank governor suspended earlier this year was granted bail.

A Federal High Court justice in the capital Abuja ordered Godwin Emefiele to pay 300 million Nigerian naira (about $365,000) for his bail bond as required by law.

The court also asked Emefiele to produce two guarantors with landed properties and proof of certificates of ownership in the costly capital city.

Emefiele was suspended as Central Bank governor by President Bola Tinubu on June 9 and arrested by the secret police the next day. He has remained in prison since then as attempts by his lawyers to secure his bail until Wednesday were unsuccessful.

He was charged over alleged abuse of office, misappropriation/fraud, and possession of firearms, all criminal offenses under Nigerian law.

Kaynak: