EFCC to appeal N100m fine over 'violation of Emefiele's rights'

EFCC to appeal N100m fine over ‘violation of Emefiele’s rights’

January 08

22:00 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected the N100 million fine imposed on it by a federal capital territory (FCT) high court for violating the rights of Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Emefiele had instituted a fundamental human rights suit against the federal government, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and the EFCC.

He claimed that they breached his rights to life, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement.

He also said despite court orders directing his release, he was kept in detention.

On Monday, the high court ordered the federal government and the EFCC to pay N100m in damages to Emefiele over the violation of his rights.

Reacting in a statement, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said the court failed to consider that Emefiele was held in detention with a valid court order.

“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.

Emefiele was first arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in June after he was suspended by President Bola Tinubu.

He was granted bail in the sum of N300 million on November 22, 2023.