The High Court of Justice in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a compelling order for the immediate and unconditional release of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
This order was granted by Justice O.A. Adeniyi in response to Emefiele’s Motion Ex-parte, in which he requested his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while awaiting the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.
Emefiele, as the applicant, listed the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, and the EFCC itself as the respondents in the case.
Key provisions of the court order are as follows:
1. Immediate and Unconditional Release: The court directed the 3rd and 4th Respondents (the Executive Chairman and the EFCC) to release Emefiele from detention without any conditions immediately. Alternatively, they were instructed to bring him to court on the specified date for the hearing of the substantive Motion on Notice, with the possibility of him being granted bail by the Court.
2. Substantive Motion Hearing: The court scheduled the hearing of the substantive motion on notice for Monday, November 6, 2023, at 1 pm.