Urgent Call for Arraignment of Suspended CBN Governor Emefiele and EFCC Chairman Bawa in Court

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has appealed to the Department of State Services (DSS) to expedite its investigation into corruption allegations and abuse of office involving the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.

Both Emefiele and Bawa were suspended from their respective positions by President Bola Tinubu's administration in June, following the emergence of corruption allegations against them. Emefiele was accused of being involved in the Naira redesign scam, with Bawa being named as an accomplice.

Falana, in an interview on Channels Television, stressed the need for the DSS to present any evidence of indictment and arraign the duo in court. He highlighted that the continued detention of Emefiele and Bawa does not align with the principles of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Falana emphasized the importance of conducting speedy investigations, particularly in cases where serious allegations have been made.

Referring to Emefiele's previous allegation of involvement in terrorism financing, Falana urged the State Security Services to address this matter promptly. He also called for an accelerated investigation into Bawa's offenses, as the specific charges have not been disclosed to the public. Falana urged the government and relevant agencies to ensure the cases are handled in accordance with the law to prevent any exploitation of legal loopholes.

Additionally, it was previously reported that Emefiele implicated certain traditional rulers, Nigerian Army generals, and judges as his accomplices. Emefiele, described as "cooperating with investigators," allegedly revealed instances where he provided money to monarchs, army generals, and judges during his tenure in office.