The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss an appeal filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, aimed at halting the forfeiture of $2.4 million and several high-value properties linked to him.
During the court session on Friday, Emefiele’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olalekan Ojo, requested a stay of proceedings, arguing that the case should be paused until a decision from the appellate court is made. Ojo emphasized that moving forward without the appellate court’s input would amount to what he termed "judicial rascality."
However, the EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the motion, noting that Emefiele had not yet properly filed an appeal. Oyedepo explained that although documents had been submitted to the Court of Appeal, Emefiele had not followed the proper legal process, which includes securing permission from the lower court to proceed with an appeal.
“My Lord, there is no valid appeal before the court,” Oyedepo said, further adding that no exceptional circumstances justified pausing the trial. He urged the court to proceed with the pending applications.
Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu adjourned the matter, setting the ruling for October 11, 2024.
This development follows an earlier ruling on August 25, 2024, when the court granted the EFCC temporary authority to seize $2.045 million in cash, seven prime properties, and shares connected to Emefiele as part of an investigation into alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as CBN governor.
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