The High Court of Justice in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria issued an order on Thursday mandating the immediate release of former central bank governor Godwin Emefiele from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This decision stems from an ex-parte motion filed by Emefiele before the court, requesting that the EFCC release him from custody while his fundamental right enforcement suit is under consideration.
Justice O.A Adeniyi ordered EFCC as follows:
Accordingly, the 3rd and 4th Respondents are hereby ordered to unconditionally release the Applicant from detention forthwith; or in the alternative produce him in Court on the date fixed for hearing of the substantive motion on notice for purposes of being admitted to bail by the court.
President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele on June 9, citing ongoing investigations and planned financial sector reforms. According to Tinubu, Emefiele’s actions contributed significantly to the decline of the country’s financial system. Subsequently, the Department of State Services apprehended Mr. Emefiele one day after his suspension, and he remained in custody until October despite multiple court orders for his release. Notably, he was rearrested by the EFCC.
This recent court order is a major development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Emefiele. The EFCC has not yet commented on the court’s order, and the substantive motion related to this case is scheduled to be heard on November 6, 2023.
