The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Nigeria’s suspended central bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, for questioning over his alleged involvement in cryptocurrency trading.
Emefiele was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari in April after he refused to resign following allegations that he had used his position to enrich himself and his family.
The EFCC said it detained Emefiele on Tuesday after it received “credible intelligence” that he was involved in cryptocurrency trading.
“We are investigating Emefiele for his alleged involvement in cryptocurrency trading,” an EFCC spokesperson said. “We have invited him for questioning and he is cooperating with us.”
Emefiele has denied any wrongdoing.
“I am not involved in cryptocurrency trading,” he said in a statement. “I am a law-abiding citizen and I will cooperate with the EFCC in its investigation.”
The detention of Emefiele has sparked outrage in Nigeria, with many people accusing the government of targeting him for his opposition to the central bank’s ban on cryptocurrency.
“This is a clear case of political persecution,” said one Twitter user. “Emefiele is being targeted because he refused to support the government’s ban on cryptocurrency.”
The central bank banned cryptocurrency in February, saying it was a threat to the country’s financial system.
However, the ban has been widely criticized by Nigerians, who say it has stifled innovation and made it difficult for people to access financial services.
The EFCC’s investigation into Emefiele is ongoing.
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