Detained former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele may soon be released from the Department of State Services (DSS) detention after the Arthoney-General of the Federation has reportedly signed his plea bargain to return N50 billion to government coffers, The Nigerian Economy has gathered.
According a report by SaharaReporters, the Arthoney-General of the Federation has signed a non-prosecution plea bargain in favour of the embattled ex-CBN governor after he succumbed to a plea bargain for N50 billion.
However, a source close to the former CBN Governor could not confirm the development to The Nigerian Economy.
The online newspaper reported on Friday that the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has signed the non-prosecution plea bargain and it is waiting for Tinubu’s approval.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have begun to react to the development on social media. Over 35,000 followers have reacted to the report as posted by an Aso Rock X insider, with the verified handle, Journalistic KC.
Most of the people who commented said N50 billion was too small to be accepted by the Federal Government, while others wondered how the former CBN boss possibly enmassed so much money as to be able to enter a plea bargain to return N50 billion.
“For him to agree to return N50 billion, he would have probably stolen over N500 billion.” –Bammy Tim.
“N50 billion for only one man and we think him no collect more than that?
“So dis man go return for street follow us dey waka like notin sup, nd u go say make corruption stop.” — Sheriff Ajibola.
“How this guy take move N50bn????.” Bashir GS
“N50 billion no be money ooo for Emefele side that should be dollars.” –Musa Zuntu.
“Yet another example of the powerful escaping the consequences of their actions. It’s disheartening to witness the lack of accountability in our government. Emefiele’s willingness to return a fraction of what was allegedly misappropriated doesn’t absolve him of his role!!!” –Kator Tarkaa.
“It cost taxpayers money to prosecute huge cases such as this. You save taxpayers money and you save time. Anywhere in the world, plea bargain is a norm. But I don’t believe Sahara reporters though, their consistently unreliable spectators.” –Aschor Babalola.
Emiefele’s arraignment over alleged procurement fraud was stalled twice in August.
The embattled top banker failed to show up at the Abuja High Court on August 23 and his case was not mentioned.
The court sat, but Emiefele’s case was neither listed nor mentioned, and the court kept mum over the arraignment, with no date slated for adjournment. Emefiele’s lawyers and the prosecuting team were all absent at the and the court did not mention the case as one of the cases up for hearing on that day, August 23, 2023.
The development bred reports and speculations that Emiefele may be seeking a plea bargain.
August 23 was not the first time Emefiele’s arraignment had been stalled. It would be recalled that on August 17, the arraignment of Emiefele was stalled due to the absence of his co-defendant, a CBN staff member Sa’adatu Yaro and her company, April 1616 Investment Limited, listed as the second and third defendants on the matter.
Yaro, currently in DSS custody, is said to be ill and could not appear in court. Justice Hamza Mu’azu then adjourned the matter after all parties agreed on August 23.
Emiefele is facing charges for his alleged involvement in an alleged ₦6.9 billion procurement fraud.
