The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking to stop the forfeiture of assets linked to him.
On August 25, 2024, the court granted the EFCC temporary custody of $2.045 million, seven prime properties, and shares connected to Emefiele.
During Friday’s court session, Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged Justice Deinde Dipeolu to stay further proceedings in the case until the Court of Appeal ruled on Emefiele’s appeal.
Ojo stated, “We are urging your lordship to stay proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the appeal court in order to avoid judicial rascality.”
However, EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered the request, arguing that no valid appeal had been filed. “The defendant just went to dump mere documents in the registry of the Appeal Court. Therefore, I urge the court to hold that there is no appeal,” Oyedepo submitted.
He further argued that even if an appeal existed, the necessary court procedures had not been followed. “My lord, I submit with respect that this appeal cannot stop the proceedings in this matter because the leave of the court was not sought, as the rule of the court has made it mandatory when it is an appeal filed on the ground of mixed fact and law.”
Oyedepo maintained that Emefiele’s application lacked merit and had no bearing on the final determination of the forfeiture case. “This party has not shown any exceptional circumstances that will warrant any stay of proceedings,” he added.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to October 11th for his ruling on the application.
