Breaking News: Emefiele suspended over $1bn transaction allegedly linked to Dangote

In a shocking development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Sources reveal that Emefiele was arrested in Lagos by the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 10 and flown to Abuja for questioning which the security agency has now confirmed.

According to Politics Nigeria, the suspension is said to be reportedly tied to $1 billion scandal that unfolded just before the Presidential inauguration.

The newspaper claimed that it learnt that suspicions arose after Emefiele’s borrowing of $1 billion from Afrexim Bank on April 24, 2023 after the elections, during preparations for the May 29 inauguration.

And that within two days of receiving the money, $750 million was swiftly transferred to Aliko Dangote’s Dubai accounts using a ‘Form A’.

It is alleged that the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was kept in the dark about this transaction.

The newspaper revealed further that sources within the CBN claim that Emefiele sold dollars to Dangote at an unbelievably low rate of 445 Naira to the dollar.

1 billion dollars was received from Afrexim Bank into the CBN’s JP Morgan account on April 24, 2023, out of which 750 million dollars was immediately transferred to Dangote’s Bluestar Dubai account within two days using the “Form A” transaction method, bypassing the requirement of a Letter of Credit.

Bluestar is said to have had ties with Dangote since 2007.

While some CBN officials raised concerns about these transactions, the revelation highlights the potential for money laundering and illicit activities within Nigeria’s financial system, tarnishing the CBN’s integrity under Emefiele’s leadership.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the President took decisive action by suspending Emefiele and ordering a thorough investigation.