…Seizes Passport
By Nifemi Adefemi
(With Agency reports)
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeri a (CBN).
The charges allege that Emefiele authorized payments to terrorist organizations in Afghanistan.
Emefiele has denied the charges.
The DSS filed the charges in a Federal High Court in Abuja on June 10, 2023. The charges allege that Emefiele authorized payments of $100 million to the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021. The payments were allegedly made in exchange for the release of two Nigerian hostages.
Emefiele has denied the charges. He has said that he did not authorize any payments to the Taliban. He has also said that he was not aware that the hostages were being held by the Taliban.
The DSS has not released any evidence to support the charges. The agency has also not said why it waited until 2023 to file the charges.
Emefiele’s lawyers have filed a bail application. The court has not yet ruled on the application.
The terrorism charges against Emefiele are a serious development. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The charges could also have a significant impact on Emefiele’s political career.
Meanwhile, the DSS has confiscated Emefiele’s passport.
The service may also search Emefiele’s home and office this week, according to sources.