Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele faces corruption charges as the Federal Government arraigned him at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The charges allege that Emefiele unlawfully purchased 43 vehicles worth N1.2bn between 2018 and 2020.

The Federal Government accuses Emefiele of granting corrupt advantages to Sa'adatu Ramallan Yaro, a CBN staff, by awarding contracts to April 1616 Investment Ltd., a company where Yaro is a director. The charges detail the procurement of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles at the cost of N854.7m, one Toyota Avalon at N99.9m, one Toyota Landcruiser V8 at N73m, and two Toyota Hilux Shell Specification Vehicles at N44.2m.

Emefiele, dressed in blue Guinea Brocade babaringa with a matching Hausa cap, was brought to court by his lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN). He denied the six-count charges of conferring corrupt advantages on Yaro through contract awards.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting on behalf of the Federal Government, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), engaged in a legal battle over Emefiele's bail request. Justice Hamza Muazu is expected to rule on the bail application.