Nigeria’s ex-central bank head Emefiele denies fresh corruption charges

Nigeria’s former central bank governor Godwin Emefiele pleaded ‘not guilty’ at a bail hearing in Lagos on Monday to fresh charges alleging misuse of authority, abuse of office and corrupt practices.
The latest charges, brought by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, include receiving bribes, accepting gifts via intermediaries, engaging in corrupt practices, obtaining property fraudulently, and providing improper benefits to his associates, court documents showed.
The court reserved judgment until Thursday and remanded Emefiele in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission until then. Tuesday and Wednesday are public holidays.
Emefiele’s is the most high-profile corruption case under President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office last May and suspended the central bank governor 11 days later. Emefiele was arrested the next day.