The Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja, presided over by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, has awarded the sum of N100 million against the Federal Government, in favour of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for the violation of his right to personal liberty.
The Court also declared his prolonged detention without trial, as a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights.
It also restrained the Federal Government and its agents from re-arresting or detaining Emefiele without an order of court.
The judgment was given in a fundamental human rights suit filed by the former CBN governor against EFCC, the Federal Government, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
This followed his prolonged detention in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He had asked the court to order the respondents to pay the sum of N1 billion damages and to restrain them from further arresting and or detaining him.
The former CBN chief was arrested on June 10, 2023 shortly after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will appeal N100milion fine imposed on it by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a three paragraph statement, the EFCC said: “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. Consequently, the Commission will approach the Court of Appeal to set it aside.”
