Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, returned to his Abuja home yesterday following his release on bail after spending 151 days in custody. The release came after a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama ordered his release despite objections from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ruling, delivered by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, directed Emefiele’s release to his lawyers, mandating that he surrender all his international travel documents. The court emphasized the necessity of ending prolonged detention without trial.
The court’s decision stemmed from the EFCC’s failure to comply with a previous order to release Emefiele unconditionally or present him for a bail hearing, leading to his appearance before the court on the mentioned day.
Justice Adeniyi highlighted that the government’s claims of scheduling Emefiele’s arraignment on November 15 were speculative, lacking substantial evidence to support the proposed action. Additionally, the court noted discrepancies in the dates of a purported remand order, which raised concerns about the legitimacy of Emefiele’s prolonged detention.
The judge cited Section 298(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, empowering the court to issue necessary orders even if there is a remand order against the applicant. Emefiele was directed to surrender his international documents to the court pending his arraignment, with further proceedings scheduled for November 17.
Emefiele’s release followed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by his legal team against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the AGF, the EFCC Chairman, and the EFCC itself.
During the proceedings, Emefiele expressed not having received a copy of the fresh charges against him, while his legal counsel emphasized the speculative nature of denying bail. The defense argued that there was no indication of flight risk or the applicant’s evasion of trial.
Despite concerns of re-arrest, Emefiele left the court premises in a vehicle provided by one of his legal representatives after the proceedings concluded.
Emefiele’s legal challenges began when he was suspended from his position as CBN Governor by President Bola Tinubu on June 9. He was subsequently arrested at his Lagos residence by the Department of State Services (DSS). Emefiele faced charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in a Federal High Court in Lagos, as well as a 20-count corruption charge before the Abuja High Court in Maitama. However, legal proceedings in both cases were paused as the defendants sought a plea bargain with the government. Emefiele was later transferred to the EFCC detention facility by the DSS on October 26.
