The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed its intention to appeal the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, which imposed a N100 million damages award in favor of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.
In a press release on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated, “The decision failed to take cognizance of the fact that the former CBN boss was held with a valid order of court. Consequently, the Commission will approach the Court of Appeal to set it aside.”
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi had ruled that the detention of Emefiele during the EFCC’s investigation amounted to a violation of his right to liberty. The judge further restrained the Federal Government and its agents from arresting Emefiele unless an order was obtained through a competent court.
Adeniyi emphasized that the respondents did not need to incarcerate the applicant for an extended period during the investigation, as it went against the provisions of the law. He stated, “No material placed before the court to show that the release of the applicant will in any way interfere with the investigation of allegations preferred against him.”
The judge deemed the remand order improperly obtained, considering it a blatant violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights. He noted that the facts presented indicated that Emefiele was detained beyond the period stipulated by the law before being charged to court.
Emefiele had initially sought N1 billion in damages from the court.
