The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has reportedly visited the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Kuje Prison, Abuja.
The monarch who was said to have visited the ex-CBN governor on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, appealed to the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider his release
Recall that Emefiele is currently behind bars for his inability to meet his N300 million bail condition.
Last month, Emefiele was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on procurement fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was accused of using his position to confer a corrupt advantage on Sa’adatu Yaro, a staff of CBN, by awarding a contract for the procurement of 43 vehicles worth N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020.
Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the amended charges and was later granted bail in the sum of N300 million as well as two sureties in like sum, both of which must have certificates of occupancy and titles of properties within the Maitama district in Abuja.
Unconfirmed report said the Ooni was at Kuje prison twice on Tuesday, ostensibly to visit Emefiele. The first time was in the early afternoon.
He left after and returned four hours later to continue with his discussions with him. According to reports, on both occasions, he had very lengthy meetings with Emefiele.
The Ooni obviously wants to settle things amicably between Emefiele and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to avoid the unnecessary dehumanisation of the former CBN governor.
Meanwhile, during his visit, the Ooni and one of his wives reportedly facilitated the release of five inmates from the Kuje Custodial Centre.
According to a statement from the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, Ogunwusi explained that the payment of fines for the inmates was a way to commemorate his 8th anniversary on the throne of his ancestors.
In her remark earlier, the monarch’s wife, Temitope, said the occasion was not only to celebrate the reign of the traditional ruler but also to reflect on societal issues.
“We are reminded of the power of forgiveness, redemption and second chance,” The PUNCH quoted Temitope saying during their intervention at the Kuje prison.
The monarch’s wife also applauded the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the correctional service authorities for their job reforming and reintegrating inmates.
Source: Intelregion
