EFCC Displeased Over Federal High Court’s Judgement, Seeks Appeal

DiasporaDigitalMedia on Monday, 8^th January, reported that the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ruled that the prolonged detention of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, without trial, constitutes a blatant violation of his fundamental rights. The court handed down a N100 million fine against the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and prohibited them from re-arresting or detaining the ex-CBN governor without a valid court order.

The EFCC expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, emphasizing that Emefiele was held with a valid court order. The anti-graft agency announced its intention to appeal the decision, stating, “The commission will approach the Court of Appeal to set it aside.” As the legal saga unfolds, observers await further developments in this high-profile case.

Recall the events leading to Emefiele’s arrest, the former CBN governor was apprehended on June 10, shortly after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu. While he was arraigned on illegal firearms charges before the Federal High Court in Lagos on July 25, 2023, and granted bail, the DSS re-arrested him on the court premises, leading to a clash with warders from the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Emefiele remained in DSS custody until October 26, 2023, spending nearly five months behind bars.

Upon his release by the DSS, the EFCC took him into custody, and he stayed there until November 8, when he was brought to court for arraignment on procurement fraud charges.

In the suit, Emefiele sought N1 billion in damages and requested the court to restrain the respondents from further arresting and detaining him. The court’s decision, imposing the N100 million fine and barring the government and EFCC from re-arresting Emefiele without a valid court order, signals a resounding victory for the former CBN governor.

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