*Pix above & below: Embattled ex-CBN Gov Emefiele…a lawful captive?
PLEASE SHARE
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to appeal the ruling of the high court in FCT awarding the embattled ex-CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, a compensation of N100 million.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, who made this vow in a statement on Monday in Abuja, revealed the commission’s readiness to appeal the judgment immediately, insisting that Emefiele remains a lawful captive.
Justice O.A Adeniyi had earlier on Monday, fined the commission the sum of N100 million after he ruled that its detention of Mr Emefiele in the course of his investigation was a violation of his right to liberty.
However, the anti-graft agency contended that the court’s decision overlooked the crucial detail that the former CBN boss was detained in accordance with a valid court order.
In response, the commission stated that it would appeal to the Court of Appeal to overturn the decision.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has expressed dissatisfaction with a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court awarding N100 million damages against it in favour of a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele.
“Justice O.A Adeniyi, on Monday, January 8, 2024, fined the Commission after he ruled that the Commission’s detention of Emefiele in the course of his investigation was a violation of his right to liberty.
“The decision failed to take cognizance of the fact that the former CBN boss was held with a valid order of court., the Commission Consequently will approach the Court of Appeal to set it aside,” the agency said.
Earlier,Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, presiding over the FCT High Court Abuja, had ordered the Federal Government to pay 100 million naira to ex-CBN Gov Emefiele, in recognition of the infringement on his liberty.
The Court, in its ruling, said that the extended detention without trial was a glaring violation of his fundamental rights.
The verdict also prohibited the federal government and its agents from re-arresting or detaining Emefiele without a court order.
In his initial prayer to the court, Emefiele had asked for an order directing the respondents to compensate him with N1 billion and to prevent any future arrests or detentions. /PLEASE SHARE
*Tags: Godwin Emefiele, Dele Oyewale ,EFCC
