The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Emefiele was arrested by men of the Nigerian DSS few minutes after his suspension by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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.
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| DSS Files Terrorism Charges Against Emefiele |
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.
Mainwhile, 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.
"It is important to note that Emefiele is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He has the right to a fair trial.
"The terrorism charges against Emefiele are a reminder of the challenges that Nigeria faces in its fight against terrorism. The charges also raise questions about the role of the CBN in the fight against terrorism". - IPC JUSTICE