Emefiele: EFCC confirms move to appeal N100m fine

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it would appeal the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court which awarded N100 million damages against it in favour of a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

Spokesperson of the EFCC Dele Oyewale stated this in a press release on Monday.

“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,” Oyewale said.

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi had ruled that the detention of Emefiele in the course of the EFCC’s investigation was a violation of his right to liberty.

Adeniyi further restrained the Federal Government and its agents from arresting Emefiele unless an order was obtained through a competent court.

The judge held that the respondents need not incarcerate the applicant in order to carry out investigation for a long period as against the provisions of the law.

“No material placed before the court to show that the release of the applicant will in any way interfere with the investigation of allegations preferred against him.

“The first respondent as a creator of the law is constantly bind by the law. The remand order that was not obtained properly is considered to be a fragrant violation of the fundamental right of the applicant.

“The facts placed before the court shows that he was incarcerated beyond the period stipulated by the law with charging him to court,” Adeniyi said.

Emefiele earlier asked the court to grant him N1 billion in damages.