The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, which seeks to prevent the forfeiture of properties and funds linked to him.
On August 25, 2024, the court authorized the EFCC to temporarily seize assets, including $2.045 million in cash, seven prime properties, and shares associated with Emefiele.
During proceedings on Friday, Emefiele’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, requested Justice Deinde Dipeolu to stay proceedings until the Court of Appeal resolves the matter. Ojo argued that doing so would prevent “judicial rascality.”
In response, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo opposed the application, asserting that Emefiele had not yet filed an appeal. He contended that no formal motion had been made or ruled upon that would lead to an appeal.
“My lord, how can the defendant rush to the Court of Appeal because the Federal High Court returned the case file for assignment?” Oyedepo questioned, suggesting that Emefiele merely submitted documents without a proper appeal.
He emphasized, “Assuming there is an appeal, the question remains: has the leave of the court been sought? The answer is no.”
Oyedepo further stated that the absence of court approval for the appeal means it cannot halt the ongoing proceedings. He argued that Emefiele has not demonstrated any exceptional circumstances warranting a stay of proceedings and insisted that the purported appeal does not impact the case’s final determination.
Justice Dipeolu has adjourned the case until October 11 for a ruling on the application.
