Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is reportedly pursuing a plea bargain in his alleged N6.69 billion fraud case. Emefiele is facing trial for alleged violation of the procurement law to the tune of N6.9 billion.
As part of the proposed plea bargain, Emefiele is said to be willing to forfeit any illicit funds and questionable assets that may be traced to him. The terms of the settlement also include his stepping aside from his position as CBN governor to allow the government to appoint a substantive replacement. Additionally, Emefiele and his family members are expected to withdraw all matters related to the case from court.
This development comes as Emefiele and his siblings withdrew two suits they had filed against the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). These suits were aimed at restraining the DSS from arresting them.
Emefiele’s decision to pursue a plea bargain is reportedly driven by his desire to avoid protracted legal battles and the potential negative impact on the economic agenda of the government. The terms of the plea bargain are being worked out between the Federal Government’s legal team and Emefiele’s lawyers.
Emefiele’s case has garnered attention due to its legal and political implications, as well as its potential effects on Nigeria’s economic stability. The plea bargain, if successfully negotiated, could lead to his freedom while addressing concerns about the trial’s impact on the country’s financial system.
thenation