Former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, who had been in custody for over 149 days, was finally produced in court for the hearing of his bail application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had ordered Emefiele's unconditional release or that he be brought to court for his bail application. Dressed in a yellow kaftan and cap, Emefiele arrived at the courtroom accompanied by EFCC operatives.
In an ex-parte motion filed before the court, Emefiele sought an order compelling the EFCC to release him from custody while his fundamental rights enforcement suit is pending. Alternatively, he requested bail and sought N5 million in damages for the breach of his fundamental rights. The respondents in the case include the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chairman of the EFCC, and the EFCC itself.
Emefiele's legal troubles began when he was suspended from his position as CBN Governor on June 9 by President Bola Tinubu. Subsequently, he was arrested at his Lagos residence by the Department of State Services (DSS). He has faced charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in Lagos, as well as a 20-count corruption charge in Abuja.
