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Federal Government has refuted claims of engaging in a planned non-prosecution plea bargain involving the former Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to the tune of N50 billion.
It had been reported that Emefiele had reached a plea bargain agreement with the government, offering to surrender N50 billion to expedite his release from the custody of the Department of the State Service (DSS). This purported plea bargain was allegedly intended to dismiss the charges brought against the former CBN Governor, including allegations of money laundering, violations of the Public Procurement Act, and abuse of office.
However, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, vehemently denied the existence of any such plea bargain arrangement. Fagbemi affirmed that neither his office nor the presidency had been involved in any such discussions or agreements with Emefiele.
The Federal Government’s stance on this matter was officially communicated through a statement issued by the Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Modupe Ogundoro.
“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has taken notice of a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reached a non-prosecution plea bargain arrangement,” the statement clarified.
“The report alleges that Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, have signed a non-prosecution plea bargain agreement. This agreement is reportedly awaiting the signature of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice categorically states that these reports are entirely untrue.
“It should be noted that during the last court hearing, the legal team representing Mr. Godwin Emefiele expressed their intention to initiate a plea bargain arrangement.
“However, it is important to clarify that no such arrangement has been finalized with Mr. Godwin Emefiele or his representatives. We urge the media and the public to disregard this baseless report.
“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice remains committed to taking all necessary actions in the best interests of the Nigerian public.”
