Thelma Osatohanmwen
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday faced criticism as they failed to produce former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in court as directed by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
It was gathered that, the court had previously ordered the EFCC to either unconditionally release Emefiele or present him in court for a bail hearing on Monday. However, the former CBN governor was notably absent during the court proceedings.
Emefiele’s legal representative, Mathew Burkaa, expressed his displeasure, accusing the EFCC of disregarding the court order. He highlighted that Emefiele has been in custody for 149 days.
He said, “They have flouted both orders as today marks the 149th day of the applicant being in custody.
“The applicant is still in the custody of the 3rd and 4th respondents, up till this moment that we speak.”
However, counsel for the EFCC, Farouk Abdullahi, responded, stating that the failure to obey the court order was not deliberate. He also noted that certain exhibits referred to in the order were not attached, including Exhibit E.
The presiding judge, Justice Olusegun Adeniyi, adjourned the matter till November 8, restating his order that the EFCC should either release Emefiele unconditionally or in the alternative, produce him in court on the next adjourned date to be admitted to bail.