Tag:

HIGH COURT

Former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre Pending Bail Hearing

by ONUAH YVONNE November 17, 2023

In a dramatic courtroom session at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Justice Hamza Muazu has ordered the remand of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in Kuje prison pending the determination of his bail application.

The decision stems from a hearing marked by legal clashes between Emefiele’s defense team, led by Mathew Burkaa SAN, and Rotimi Oyedepo, representing the Federal Government.

During the hearing, Emefiele’s lead counsel presented a bail application, facing staunch opposition from the government’s representative. Justice Muazu, after hearing arguments from both sides, declared that a bench ruling could not be immediately delivered due to the multitude of legal authorities cited by the opposing parties. The judge expressed the need for time to carefully study the authorities and review the exhibits submitted by Emefiele in support of his bail request.

Consequently, Emefiele will remain in custody until November 22, when the court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the bail motion. Officials from the Kuje prison authority have reportedly been contacted to arrange for transportation to the detention facility.

Godwin Emefiele, who was arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS) on June 10, following his suspension as CBN Governor on June 9 by President Bola Tinubu, was granted bail on November 8 by an FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The Federal Government had amended the alleged procurement charges, originally 20, to 6, accusing Emefiele of using his position to confer a corrupt advantage on Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The charges allege that Emefiele awarded a contract for the procurement of vehicles worth N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020, contravening Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

As Emefiele’s fate hangs in the balance, the public awaits the court’s decision, which will shape the trajectory of this high-profile case.

November 17, 2023 0 comment

Court Orders Immediate Unconditional Release of Former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

by KINGSLEY OYEMA November 2, 2023

written by KINGSLEY OYEMA

The High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a ruling for the unconditional and immediate release of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

This decision came after Emefiele filed a Motion Ex-parte, seeking his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while awaiting the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.

Justice O.A. Adeniyi, the presiding Judge, issued the release order upon considering the motion submitted by Emefiele. The respondents in the case included the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, and the EFCC itself.

Key provisions of the court order are as follows:

Immediate and Unconditional Release: The court has directed the 3rd and 4th Respondents, namely the Executive Chairman and the EFCC, to unconditionally release Godwin Emefiele from detention with immediate effect.

Alternative Arrangements: Alternatively, the court has instructed the aforementioned respondents to produce Emefiele in court on the date set for the hearing of the substantive Motion on Notice. During this appearance, there is the possibility of Emefiele being admitted to bail by the Court.

Substantive Motion Hearing: The court has scheduled the hearing of the substantive motion on notice for Monday, November 6, 2023, at 1 p.m.

This legal ruling follows Emefiele’s plea for his release, and it paves the way for the forthcoming substantive motion hearing. The decision to release him unconditionally or admit him to bail will be made in accordance with the court’s directives, offering a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

November 2, 2023 0 comment

National Judicial Council Denies Alleged Transfer of Powers to State Governors for Judge Appointments

by KINGSLEY OYEMA August 14, 2023

written by KINGSLEY OYEMA

In a resolute response, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has categorically dismissed a widely circulated letter that claimed the council had relinquished its statutory powers and functions related to the appointment and promotion of judges to state governors.

Soji Oye, the Director of Information at the NJC, unequivocally declared that the letter, purportedly dated July 14, 2023, and seemingly signed by Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJC chairman, was entirely baseless.

The NJC refuted the claims presented in the letter, which outlined the appointment of Umar Abubakar as the substantive Chief Judge of Kebbi State while addressing the order of seniority. The council emphasized that the letter in question did not originate from their office and that the information it contained was unfounded.

To prevent any misconceptions, the NJC issued a statement clarifying the matter and disavowing the letter’s authenticity.

“The fake letter titled ‘Order of Seniority of Judges of the High Court of Kebbi state and recommendation of Justice Umar Abubakar as the substantive chief judge of Kebbi state’, addressed to the chief judge, stating that ‘under section 10 of the existing law of Kebbi state 1996, His Excellency, the governor, has the power to determine seniority of judges and the NJC has no power to override or reverse the decision of His Excellency.

“It further stated that the office of the head of court/chief judge is purely a political appointment to be decided by the governor of a state.

“For the purpose of clarification and avoidance of doubt, the NJC hereby emphatically disclaimed the letter as there is no iota of truth in it, and no such letter ever emanated from the office of the chief justice of Nigeria or the Council.

“The public is hereby advised to discountenance the letter and its content,”. The statement said.

Soji Oye further informed the public that the council had initiated actions to address the issue appropriately. The NJC has taken the step of involving relevant security agencies to investigate the origin of the fraudulent letter and hold responsible parties accountable.

As the matter continues to unfold, the NJC’s swift response underscores its commitment to transparency and the maintenance of its rightful role in the appointment and promotion of judges, safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.

August 14, 2023 0 comment