Again, Emefiele’s arraignment over alleged fraud stalled

The expected arraignment of the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, over an alleged N6.9bn procurement fraud has again been stalled.

The case was first stalled on August 17 following the absence of the second defendant in the case, Sa’adatu Yaro.

She was said to have taken ill and could not make it to court.

The president judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the case till August 23 for the arraignment of the defendants.

However, the matter was not listed on the case list of the Court.

No official explanation was, however, given to journalists on why it was not listed.

Also, lawyers for both parties were absent in court.

However, an official of the court told our correspondent that the case was stalled due to a fresh development.

“The case did not hold as planned, due to fresh developments in the matter.

“Because of the developments, my lord had to suspend the arraignment. A new date will be communicated to all the parties,” the official said.

However, unconfirmed reports stated that the suspended CBN governor was exploring a plea bargain deal with FG.

Emefiele’s lawyer, Kehinde Akinlolu, SAN, confirmed that the scheduled arraignment of his client would not be held but declined to comment on the speculation on the plea bargain.