Nigeria’s embattled Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, quietly returned to the country on Wednesday, amidst fears that he would be arrested by the operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) who are investigating several allegations against him, including corruption and terrorism financing, Premium Times reported.
Mr. Emefiele is said to been out of the country on an approved two weeks leave by the President Buhari. His leave period elapsed on Tuesday.
“His holidays finished yesterday so he has to report to work today,” a source familiar with the matter told Premium Times.
Recall that the Federal High Court, Abuja in December 2022 rejected a request by the DSS to arrest Mr. Emefiele over alleged “acts of financing terrorism, fraudulent activities and economic crimes of national security dimension.”
The DSS application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2255/2022 filed at the court on 7 December 2022 named Mr. Emefilele as the sole defendant in the suit which was filed ‘ex parte’, meaning Mr Emefiele was not notified of the suit.
Mr. Emefiele is planning to leave the country again very soon, afraid the secret police could eventually arrest him amidst the continuous power play at the highest levels of the Nigerian government, according to the report by Premium Times
“He is trying to leave within the next few days on the pretence of attending the annual World Economic Forum,” their source said.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.