
The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of the former Central Bank Bank (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Rahman Oshodi issued the remand order over alleged abuse of office as well as $5.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.
The judge also ordered that Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoile be detained at Ikoyi Custodial Centre.
The defendants counsel, Mr A. Labi-Lawal, had in his two bail applications urged the court to grant the defendants bail on self recognition and on liberal terms pending the determination on the suit.
According to Labi-Lawal, in his 31 affidavits, the first defendant (Emefiele) had complied with the bail application which was given to him by Justice Muazu in his alleged fraud trial case going on in Abuja.
He said the charges were bailable offences and not a capital offence.
He said: “Though the first defendant was granted administrative bail by the prosecuting authority. He is seeking for bail based on self recognition and he is ready to attend the court.”
“The court should also take into consideration, the status of the first defendant as he was the former CBN governor of the country”.
He also prayed the court to release Emefiele to lawyer, pending the determination of the bail.
Emefiele and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty to the 26-count charge bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratification, accepting gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent property receipt.
While asking the court to exercise its discretion judiciously in granting bail to the defendants. the EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail application moved by the defence counsel.
The prosecution had asked the court for a trial date, following the plea of the defendants.
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