After 151 days in the custody of the Federal Government’s security agencies, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, on Wednesday, admitted the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Godwin Emefiele to bail.
The court, in spite of stiff opposition from the Federal Government through the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, permitted Emefiele to go home and prepare for his November 15 arraignment.
Justice Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi, who granted the bail, hinged his decision on the fact that Emefiele had stayed in government custody beyond the time stipulated by law. The Judge also predicated his decision on the fact that the Federal Government had completed investigation into the allegations against the former CBN Chief and had even prepared the charges against him as far as August this year.
In a ruling on the application for bail argued by Mathew Burkaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Justice Adeniyi held that it is in the best interest of justice and fair play, especially the provision of section 35 of Nigeria’s Constitution.
The Judge specifically said that there must be an end to detention without trial by the federal government.
