The High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a ruling for the unconditional and immediate release of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
This decision came after Emefiele filed a Motion Ex-parte, seeking his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while awaiting the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.
Justice O.A. Adeniyi, the presiding Judge, issued the release order upon considering the motion submitted by Emefiele. The respondents in the case included the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, and the EFCC itself.
Key provisions of the court order are as follows:
Immediate and Unconditional Release: The court has directed the 3rd and 4th Respondents, namely the Executive Chairman and the EFCC, to unconditionally release Godwin Emefiele from detention with immediate effect.
Alternative Arrangements: Alternatively, the court has instructed the aforementioned respondents to produce Emefiele in court on the date set for the hearing of the substantive Motion on Notice. During this appearance, there is the possibility of Emefiele being admitted to bail by the Court.
Substantive Motion Hearing: The court has scheduled the hearing of the substantive motion on notice for Monday, November 6, 2023, at 1 p.m.
This legal ruling follows Emefiele’s plea for his release, and it paves the way for the forthcoming substantive motion hearing. The decision to release him unconditionally or admit him to bail will be made in accordance with the court’s directives, offering a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.
