Emefiele Denies Allegations of Corruption and Theft, Calls Probe Report ‘Misleading Lies’

Former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele has vehemently rejected the findings of a special investigation panel led by Jim Obazee, dismissing accusations of corruption and theft. The report, submitted to President Bola Tinubu after a six-month probe, alleges serious financial misconduct within the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during Emefiele’s tenure.

Emefiele, who recently spent a month in the Kuje correctional facility for procurement fraud, refuted claims that he approved the naira redesign policy without presidential approval and withdrew $6.23 million from the CBN vault. In a statement, he labeled the panel’s findings as “false, misleading, and calculated to disparage” his character.

The ex-governor challenged Obazee to publish the alleged forged presidential directive and his statements denying knowledge of it. Emefiele stated, “I have been advised by my lawyers not to say anything in respect of the matters submitted to the court for adjudication. However, I need to address some of the issues raised in the publication, which are barefaced lies told by the investigator.”

Emefiele insisted that there was indeed a presidential approval for the naira redesign, challenging the investigator to produce evidence to the contrary. He also denied knowledge of the $6.23 million withdrawal, urging Obazee to publish the documents supporting these claims.

Regarding allegations of illegally depositing billions of naira in 593 offshore bank accounts, Emefiele stated, “I am not involved in the opening of these accounts and do not have knowledge of their openings.” He called for a thorough and transparent investigation of all alleged frauds and announced his intention to commence legal action to clear his name.

As the controversy unfolds, Emefiele remains firm in his denial of any wrongdoing, setting the stage for a legal battle to prove his innocence amid the serious allegations.