The situation surrounding former central bank governor of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has taken a notable turn with the High Court of Justice in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory issuing an order for his immediate release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This development comes as a result of an ex-parte motion filed by Emefiele himself, seeking to compel the EFCC to release him while his fundamental right enforcement suit is still under consideration by the court.
The presiding judge, Justice O.A Adeniyi, further directed the EFCC, stating: “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.”
Emefiele’s predicament began on June 9th when he was suspended from his position by President Bola Tinubu. The basis for his suspension was cited as ongoing investigations and slated financial sector reforms. Tinubu claimed Emefiele’s financial maneuvers contributed significantly to the downturn of the nation’s financial system. Following his suspension, the Department of State Services apprehended Emefiele a day after his suspension. Despite numerous previous court orders for his release, he remained in custody until October, at which point he was rearrested by the EFCC.
The EFCC has yet to comment on the recent court order concerning their custody of Emefiele, and a hearing on the substantive motion related to this case has been scheduled for November 6, 2023.
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