Ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, intends to petition the court to have the N300 million bail which a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court granted him reduced.
The plan was carried out because the previous head of the apex bank was unable to fully implement the bail requirements.
Emefiele had, on November 17 pleaded not guilty upon his arraigned on a five-count charge, marked: CR/577/2023, in which he is accused of “conferring corrupt advantage” contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000.
On November 22, Justice Hamza Muazu gave a ruling in which he granted bail to Emefiele at N300 million with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Muazu ordered him to produce two sureties, who must have landed property in the Maitama District of the FCT.
But, as at yesterday, it was learnt that he was still being held in Kuje correctional facility in Abuja owing to his inability to meet all the contractors attached to the bail.
A member of his legal team confirmed that efforts were on to get him out before the week runs out.
The counsel said: “Yes. We are still on it. We hope to conclude on the bail issue before the week runs out.
“But, we will be asking the court for a variation in respect of one of the bail conditions where he was restricted to the court’s jurisdiction.”
Further trial in the case is scheduled to resume on January 18 next year.
Morenikeji Adedayo is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
