CURRENT REPORT BLOG In a surprising turn of events, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) faced difficulties in producing the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, as ordered. This incident occurred on November 6, 2023, raising questions about the compliance of the anti-graft agency with the court’s directives. This blog post explores the recent developments in the case and the implications of the EFCC’s actions.
The Court’s Order: On November 2, 2023, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi issued an order directing the EFCC to either unconditionally release Godwin Emefiele or produce him in court for a bail hearing. However, during the latest court proceedings, Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, informed the court that the EFCC had failed to comply with the order.
The Duration of Custody: Emefiele’s lawyer expressed concern over the applicant’s prolonged detention, stating that it had been 149 days since Emefiele was taken into custody. The responsibility for his custody lay with the 3rd and 4th respondents.
EFCC’s Response: In response, the lawyer representing the EFCC, Mr. Farouk Abdullahi, acknowledged that they had received the court’s order. However, he contested the claim that Emefiele had been in the custody of the agency for over 100 days. Farouk explained that the applicant had only been in the custody of the 3rd and 4th respondents for seven days. He further mentioned that certain documents, particularly exhibit E, were not provided in the processes they received.
The Court’s Reiteration: Justice Adeniyi reinstated the court’s orders and adjourned the matter until November 8. He reiterated that the EFCC must either release Emefiele unconditionally or, as an alternative, produce him in court on the next adjourned date for a bail hearing.
Conclusion: The situation surrounding Godwin Emefiele’s custody remains unresolved, and the EFCC’s failure to produce him in court has raised concerns. The court’s reiteration of its orders signifies the importance of upholding due process and the rule of law. The legal battle continues, and the next court date will be crucial in determining the course of action in this case.
