Amid struggles, suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, is reportedly contemplating a plea bargain agreement with the Federal Government.
Reports suggest Emefiele might relinquish alleged illicit funds and assets in potential Out-of-Court resolution, yet there is no definitive proof of linked illicit funds.
In addition, he will vacate his position as the CBN governor, allowing the government to appoint a permanent replacement.
Furthermore, reports suggest that Emefiele and his family members will withdraw all ongoing court cases.
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, did not include the scheduled arraignment on 20-count charges for Wednesday, August 23rd, in its cause list.
Sources indicate that the arraignment was rescheduled due to a request from the detained CBN Chief.
Both Emefiele and his co-defendant in the 20-count corruption case brought against them by the Federal Government were notably absent during the court proceedings.
Nevertheless, the court dismissed a lawsuit brought by the besieged CBN governor contesting his custody.
His brothers, George and Okanta, retracted the two lawsuits they had lodged against the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Certain influential individuals in Nigeria reportedly intervened on Emefiele’s behalf, prompting the government to consider the plea bargain proposal.
A defense attorney involved in the case, while speaking to reporters, indicated that the initiative to pursue an out-of-court settlement originated from the former CBN chief.
“The parties are in talks and hopefully the matter will not proceed to trial. We are exploring a plea bargain arrangement. We have asked the court to give us at least two weeks,” the lawyer added.
While Emefiele’s legal representative, Mr. Kehinde Akinlolu, SAN, verified the postponement of his client’s planned arraignment, he refrained from commenting on the matter of the plea bargain.
The recent developments in his trial were described as having both legal and political considerations, aimed at preventing any adverse effects on the economic goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Emefiele is currently facing charges for purportedly contravening the procurement law involving an amount of N6.9 billion.