A Federal Capital Territory court in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or EFCC to produce the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria governor – Godwin Emefiele.
The Court presided over by Justice Adegbola Adeniyi in a motion of Ex-parte filed by Emefiele, said the anti-graft agency should release him unconditionally immediately.
Justice Adeniyi, relying on the Motion Ex-parte, sought his release from the custody of the EFCC pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.
Alternatively, according to Channels Television, the EFCC is directed to produce Emefiele in court on Monday, November 6, 2023, which is the date fixed for the hearing of the substantive Motion on Notice, with the possibility of being admitted to bail by the court.
The applicant (Godwin Emefiele) named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, or AGF, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, and the EFCC itself as the respondents.
Emefiele had in an ex-parte motion he filed before the court, sought an order to compel the EFCC to release him from custody, pending the determination of his fundamental right enforcement suit.
Alternatively, he prayed the court to grant him bail.
President Bola Tinubu less than 14 days after he assumed office – on June 9, suspended Emefiele from office as the head of the apex bank.
Mr Godwin was subsequently picked up by the Nigerian secret police, the DSS. Following public uproar, he was released but picked up again by the EFCC.
