The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been ordered by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court to release or present former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, for bail. The order was reiterated by Justice Olukayode Adeniji yesterday, after the anti-graft agency failed to produce the defendant in court, despite an earlier order last Thursday.
The respondent counsel argued that the applicant did not attach the necessary documents to enable them to respond. However, the court dismissed the excuse as insufficient to disobey the order. The court also directed the applicant counsel to exchange the necessary documents with the respondent counsel before the next hearing.
The court adjourned the case to November 8, and warned the EFCC to unconditionally release Emefiele or produce him in court for bail on that date.
Emefiele was arrested by the EFCC on October 27, after he had spent more than four months in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). He is suing the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the EFCC and its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for violating his fundamental rights.
