Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele a bail sum of N300 million, with two sureties in similar amounts. Emefiele must also surrender his travel documents, and the two sureties need to own landed property in Maitama, Abuja, and deposit their certificates of occupancy.

Despite the bail grant, Emefiele will remain in remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre until he fulfills the bail conditions. The court has scheduled the commencement of the full trial for November 28.

During the last hearing, Emefiele pleaded not guilty to a six-count amended N1.2 billion procurement charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a separate development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Central Bank to furnish the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) with crucial information regarding the selection of Bitt Inc. as the technical partner for the e-Naira scheme.

Justice Z.B. Abubakar issued the order while ruling on a Motion on Notice dated February 22, 2022, in a suit between the Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre and CBN. The motion sought a mandamus order compelling the defendant to provide specified information, including evidence of bid calls, bidder lists, and bid openings.

Despite CBN’s argument citing Section 15(2) of the Public Procurement Act, the court emphasized CBN’s obligation as a public institution under the FoI Act, 2011. Consequently, CBN is directed to furnish the required particulars within seven days.