In a recent development, the State Security Service has taken into custody Kingsley Obiora, the Deputy Governor responsible for economic policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria. This detention, lasting four nights thus far, comes as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement during the tenure of the former governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele, who held the position of CBN governor since June 2014, has been held by the SSS since June 10, 2023, following his controversial removal from office by President Bola Tinubu. Despite two federal judges ordering Emefiele’s release, the SSS has persistently found new grounds to keep him in custody, often filing additional charges.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Obiora may be a crucial witness in the case against his former boss, although these claims are yet to be corroborated. Furthermore, Abbas Masanawa, another high-ranking CBN official, was recently arrested, as authorities delve deeper into the allegations of corruption surrounding Emefiele.

The Peoples Gazette reached out to the SSS and CBN for comments regarding Obiora’s detention, but responses were not received promptly. This situation was anticipated due to Obiora’s extensive knowledge of CBN’s policy decisions.

Born on March 6, 1976, Obiora previously held key positions at the International Monetary Fund and served as an adviser to former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. He also advised Emefiele until his confirmation as one of CBN’s four deputy governors on March 2, 2020.

In late July, President Tinubu appointed a special investigator, Jim Osayande Obazee, to examine the activities of the CBN and other federal agencies suspected of fostering a culture of public graft. Obazee officially began his work at the CBN in early August, according to officials.

(Source: Peoples Gazette)