(Emefiele) CBN governor's aide, director of procurement reportedly grilled by EFCC

There are fresh reports that a Special Adviser to the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele and the CBN Director of Procurement have been grilled by the EFCC over forex manipulation allegations.

According to a report by Punch, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission invited the top Central Bank of Nigeria officials as part of investigations into an alleged foreign exchange scam and other sharp practices within the apex bank. 

It was further reported that more senior officials of the apex bank have been invited for grilling in connection with the alleged forex manipulation.

The report further hinted that it is believed that the activities of some officials of the bank impacted negatively on the fortunes of the Naira and contributed to its drastic slump in recent months.

An EFCC source was quoted to have said the bank accounts of suspected persons were being scrutinised with a view to determining the sources of money and their trails and to see if it corresponded with the salaries and allowances of these officials.

“We actually invited about four senior CBN officials on Wednesday but only two showed up. One of them told us that he was ill and asked us to reschedule the invitation.

“We have now sent out letters to other senior officials and they will appear before us soon. You should understand that things that involve the apex bank are always sensitive,” the source was quoted.

In his reaction, according to the report, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN, Isaac Okoroafor, said, “You have published a false story that our directors were being detained, what do you want me to say? I have no comments. You can continue with your falsehood. I have no comment.”