The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly contested a recent Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment awarding N100 million damages to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, marking a potentially contentious legal battle ahead.
In a ruling on Monday, January 8, 2024, Justice O.A. Adeniyi ruled that the EFCC’s detention of Emefiele during its investigation constituted a violation of his right to liberty and awarded him the hefty compensation. However, the EFCC swiftly expressed its dissatisfaction in a statement, announcing its intention to appeal the judgment.
The commission’s primary objection stems from Justice Adeniyi’s alleged oversight of a crucial detail – that Emefiele’s detention was conducted under a valid court order. The EFCC maintains that this legal authorization renders the claim of unlawful imprisonment unfounded, casting doubt on the validity of the N100 million award.
EFCC said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 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, 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. Consequently, the commission will approach the Court of Appeal to set it aside.”
