In a covert operation, the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been discreetly released from Kuje Prison after meeting his bail conditions, sources report.
A confidential message from a prison insider disclosed that Emefiele’s release took place at 3 pm in Kuje prison and was deliberately kept under wraps. The source revealed,
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is still looking for him to arrest him, which is why he was released secretly.” The entire process was reportedly orchestrated in collaboration with prison officials who meticulously executed the plan, shielding him from visitors.
Emefiele had initially faced challenges meeting bail conditions, fueled by concerns that the government might target anyone acting as his surety. The identity of the individual or group that facilitated his release remains undisclosed, as one of his lawyers, Maxwell Opara, stated, “I can’t confirm that to you unless I speak with the brother.”
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had granted Emefiele bail on November 8. Subsequently, on November 18, he was re-arraigned on a six-count charge related to procurement fraud and was remanded in Kuje Prison. The charges accused him of corruptly enriching himself during his tenure as CBN governor, involving the unauthorized procurement of 43 vehicles worth N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020.
The vehicle procurement, as outlined in the charge sheet, included 37 Toyota Hilux at the cost of N854.7 million, one Toyota Avalon at the cost of N99.9 million, one Toyota Landcruiser V8 at the cost of N73.8 million, and two Toyota Hilux Shell Specification at the cost of N44,200,000.
Emefiele pleaded “not guilty” to the amended charge and was granted bail in the sum of N300 million, requiring sureties with certificates of occupancy and titles of properties within the Maitama district in Abuja.
In a recent development, Jim Obazee, the special investigator probing CBN and related entities, submitted a final panel report accusing the former CBN boss of leveraging Ways and Means advances by the CBN to enrich himself. Despite the release, the EFCC continues its pursuit of Emefiele, intensifying the legal complexities surrounding his case.
