EFCC grabs Emefiele after leaving DSS’s custody
Reports have emerged stating that Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This comes immediately after his release from the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday night.
A highly placed security source has revealed that the Presidency instructed the EFCC to assume control of the case, which involves allegations of terrorism financing and fraud.
READ ALSO: DSS takes custody of suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, confirms arrest
The source stated, “Emefiele was released last night, but he was promptly apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.”
In June, Emefiele was arrested by the DSS on the same day that President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office. Since then, Emefiele has reached a plea bargain with the federal government, agreeing to return N50 billion that he allegedly embezzled.
However, the former CBN governor’s arraignment has been delayed because Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) was awaiting Tinubu’s approval while he was out of the country at that time.
A statement regarding the bargain read:
“The exclusive deal has been finalised awaiting Tinubu’s order. Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria this weekend after a medical visit to France. The DSS traced N72 billion to a series of accounts which Emefiele had planned to use for his presidential run. Also, $70 million he hid with a couple who specialised in helping him to do round-tripping was discovered.”
The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice however stated that there was no non-prosecution plea bargain concerning Emefiele.