The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will appeal a N100 million fine imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja for violating the rights of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele had filed a fundamental human rights complaint against the agency, the Federal Government, and the Federation’s Attorney-General. The court ordered the EFCC and the FG to pay the ex-CBN boss N100 million for violating his rights on Monday.
However, the EFCC expressed its displeasure with the development, claiming that Emefiele’s incarceration was legal.
“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 EFCC spokesman
Dele Oyewale said in a statement.
“Justice O.A Adeniyi, on Monday, January 8, 2024, fined the Commission after he ruled that the Commission’s detention of Emefiele in the course of his 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.”