The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has approached the Federal High Court in Lagos, requesting the dismissal of a motion filed by the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele is seeking to halt the forfeiture of properties and funds associated with him.
On August 25, 2024, the court granted the EFCC permission to temporarily take custody of $2.045 million in cash, along with seven prime landed properties and shares linked to Emefiele. This decision has sparked significant legal contention.
During the proceedings on Friday, Emefiele’s attorney, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu to pause the case until the appeal filed by Emefiele is resolved. Ojo argued that staying the proceedings would prevent any judicial misconduct.
In contrast, EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), along with Bilkisu Buhari-Bala and C.C. Okezie, contested Ojo’s request. Oyedepo asserted that Emefiele had not actually submitted any appeal.
He emphasized that no motion from Emefiele had been ruled on, which could lead to an appeal. Oyedepo questioned how Emefiele could rush to the Court of Appeal when the Federal High Court had merely returned the case file to the administrative judge for reassignment.
Reas also: EFCC’s mugshot of Bobrisky sparks widespread chatter
Oyedepo further noted that the annual vacation of the court was set to conclude on the next adjourned date, making Emefiele’s actions appear hasty. He argued that Emefiele had only submitted documents to the registry of the Appeal Court without proper grounds.
Moreover, Oyedepo pointed out that even if there was an appeal, Emefiele had not sought the necessary permission from the court. He stressed that the court rules require such permission when an appeal involves mixed facts and law.
In conclusion, Oyedepo maintained that the proceedings should continue, as the lack of a formal appeal and the absence of the required leave of the court invalidated Emefiele’s request to stay the case.
