JUST IN: Federal Court Orders Immediate and Unconditional Release of Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has issued a compelling order for the immediate and unconditional release of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. The ruling, delivered by Justice O.A. Adeniyi, came as a result of an ex-parte motion filed by Emefiele himself.

In the motion, the former CBN governor sought his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while awaiting the full hearing and determination of the originating motion. Justice Adeniyi, after careful consideration of the motion, promptly issued the order for Emefiele’s release.

The respondents in this case included the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, and the EFCC organization itself. The court’s directive was crystal clear: the 3rd and 4th respondents, referring to the Executive Chairman and the EFCC, were instructed to unconditionally release Godwin Emefiele from detention immediately. Alternatively, they were directed to present him in court on the specified date for the hearing of the substantive motion, with the possibility of being granted bail by the court.

The date for the hearing of the substantive motion on notice has been scheduled for Monday, November 6, 2023.