The Ministry of Justice has denied the recent viral report that it reached a plea deal with the embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Recall that on Saturday, a report that emanated from SaharaReporters claimed that Emefiele would soon be released after he reached a plea deal in which he agreed to return the sum of 50 billion naira.
A statement released on Sunday from the office of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has debunk the claims, saying such a deal never took place.
The statement released on October 1 by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Justice, Modupe Ogundoro, read:
“The attention of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to reports alleging that the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, have agreed to a non-prosecution plea bargain arrangement.
“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice hereby state clearly that these reports are completely false.
“It would be noted that the legal team representing Godwin Emefiele had expressed its intention in court at the last hearing to initiate a plea bargain arrangement. However, no such arrangement has been reached with Mr. Godwin Emefiele or his representatives.
“We wish to advise the media and members of the public to kindly disregard the said false report. The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will continue to take all actions in the interest of the Nigerian public.”
