EFCC Vows To Appeal N100m Fine Over Emefiele’s Detention

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.

The Nigerian Voice reports that the cost was awarded on Monday by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi while ruling on a fundamental right enforcement suit filed by Emefiele challenging his unlawful detention by agents of the federal government (DSS and EFCC).

Justice Adeniyi also restrained the federal government from further re-arresting Emefiele without an order of court.

Meanwhile, EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, while reacting to the judgment in a statement on Monday, stated that the commission would appeal the judgment immediately.

Oyewale said that Justice O.A Adeniyi had on Monday, fined the commission after he ruled that its detention of Emefiele in the course of its 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,” he said.