Bail Granted: Former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Released After 151 Days in Detention

The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has been released on bail after spending 151 days in detention. The Abuja High Court granted his release, despite objections from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama ordered Emefiele’s release from detention and directed that he be handed over to his lawyers. However, the court also ordered him to surrender all his international travelling documents.

The court emphasized that there needs to be an end to detention without trial, citing a previous ruling in which the EFCC was ordered to either release Emefiele unconditionally or present him for a bail request. The court stated that the EFCC’s failure to comply with the order led to Emefiele’s appearance in court.

The court rejected the claim by the Federal Government that Emefiele was scheduled for arraignment on November 15, stating that it was speculative and lacked evidence. The court also noted a conflicting remand order presented by the FG’s lawyer, which provided permission to remand Emefiele for 14 days but had conflicting dates.

The judge, relying on section 298(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, empowered the court to make necessary orders, even when there is a remand order against the applicant. He directed Emefiele’s release to his lawyers and instructed them to produce him in court on the day of his scheduled arraignment or any other required date.

Emefiele’s release came as a result of a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by him through his lawyers. The suit named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the AGF, the EFCC, and its Chairman as respondents.

During the court proceedings, Emefiele mentioned that he had not received a copy of the fresh charges against him. His lawyer urged the court not to deny him bail based on the AGF’s objections, as they had not received the charges. The lawyer argued that there was no evidence suggesting that Emefiele was a flight risk and pleaded for his release.

Emefiele left the court premises in a Jeep provided by one of his lawyers amid concerns of possible re-arrest by security operatives. The release comes after Emefiele’s suspension from the CBN by President Bola Tinubu on June 9. He was later arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at his Lagos residence.

Emefiele has faced two separate charges, one for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition before the Federal High Court in Lagos, and another for corruption before the Abuja High Court. Proceedings for both cases have been put on hold as the defendants explore a plea bargain deal with the government. Emefiele was transferred to the EFCC detention facility on October 26 after being in DSS custody.