(Politics): Nigeria Files 20 New Charges Against Suspended Central Bank Chief

In Nigeria, the government has withdrawn the charge of illegal possession of firearms against suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele. However, it has filed a 20-count indictment against Emefiele, charging him with criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation of funds. These charges carry long jail terms.

Emefiele was suspended by embattled President Bola Tinubu in June, 2023, after he criticised the governor's policies at his presidential inauguration in May, 2023. Emefiele has been held in detention by the secret police since June 10, 2023.

On July 25, 2023, Emefiele was granted bail on a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and he was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending when he was able to fulfill his bail conditions. However, he was rearrested by the State Security Services, after they fought off Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) officials in the court's premises, stating that fresh charges had been filed against Emefiele in Abuja.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

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