The Federal Capital Territory High Court has ruled in favor of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, ordering his unconditional and immediate release.
This decisive verdict was issued by Justice O.A. Adeniyi after considering an ex-parte motion filed by Emefiele himself. In the motion, the ex-CBN governor sought his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.
Emefiele, in his petition, listed the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, and the EFCC as the respondents in the case. The court directed the 3rd and 4th respondents, namely the Executive Chairman and the EFCC, to unconditionally release Emefiele from detention without delay. Alternatively, they were instructed to produce him in court on the date set for the hearing of the substantive motion on notice, with the possibility of being granted bail by the court.
The court has scheduled the hearing of the substantive motion on notice for Monday, November 6, 2023. This development has generated significant attention and will undoubtedly be closely monitored in the coming days as the legal proceedings unfold.
