In a recent ruling, a Federal High Court in Lagos criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring Margaret Emefiele, wife of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, as wanted. Presiding Judge Deinde Dipeolu ruled in favor of Margaret's fundamental rights suit, ordering the EFCC to pay her N3 million in damages for violating her rights.
The EFCC had earlier declared Margaret Emefiele wanted in February, alleging her involvement in money laundering. Her photos and details, along with those of three others, were published on the EFCC's website and social media platforms. Margaret subsequently filed a lawsuit against the EFCC and its chairman, challenging the declaration and publication without a valid court order.
Judge Dipeolu's judgment highlighted the illegality of the EFCC's actions, noting they contravened Sections 41 and 42 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, as no valid charge or court order supported the declaration. The judge affirmed Margaret's entitlement to fundamental rights protections under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
The court directed the EFCC to immediately remove Margaret's name and photographs from its wanted list and issue a public apology on its website and in national media outlets. Additionally, N3 million in damages was awarded to Margaret Emefiele for the infringement of her rights.
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