Missing N17.369trn: Anti-corruption group warns against sweeping Emefiele’s trial under carpet

The Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative has issued a strong call to the Federal Government, urging them not to ignore the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

In a press conference held on Sunday at Katsina State Nigerian Union of Journalists premise, the group expressed concerns about the gravity of corruption allegations against Emefiele, demanding an impartial and transparent investigation.

Comrade Bishir Dauda, Executive Director of the group, reiterated the alarming accusations outlined in the “Obazee Report.”

The report implicated him in unauthorised policy implementations, financial irregularities exceeding N17.369 trillion, and possible links to terrorism financing.

They cautioned against any attempts to downplay the seriousness of these allegations, noting that brushing aside Emefiele’s trial would erode public trust in the fight against corruption and perpetuate a culture of impunity among high-ranking officials.

While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for mustering courage to direct what they termed an “historic probe” of the sacked CBN Gvernor, the group urged his administration to demonstrate its commitment to justice by insisting and upholding the rule of law, resisting any pressures or manipulations based on tribal, religious, or political affiliations.

“As a civil society organization; we can’t keep silent or take a neutral stand in the face of this mind-boggling corruption scandal. We therefore, wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Bayo Onanuga, and other well meaning and patriotic Nigerians, including development partners and international community that the sacked governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank, ‘Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele must not get away with the monumental allegations of illegalities leveled against him, including cases that bother on treason, terrorism financing, breaching CBN Act, personal aggrandizement and illicit enrichment of cronies, stealing and outright plunder, uncovered by Jim Obazee, the special investigator,” the group declared.