EFCC asks Court to dismiss Emefiele’s move to stop seizure of $2.04m, others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss an application filed by the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, who is seeking to prevent the forfeiture of funds and properties linked to him.
On August 25, 2024, the court granted the EFCC temporary custody of $2.045 million in cash, seven prime properties, and shares associated with Emefiele.
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During the court proceedings on Friday, Emefiele’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, requested Justice Deinde Dipeolu to stay the case until the appellate court resolves 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.”
In response, the EFCC’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the request, arguing that Emefiele had not filed any appeal. He contended that no motion from Emefiele had been processed that could lead to an appeal.
Oyedepo questioned how Emefiele could seek to rush to the Court of Appeal when the Federal High Court had merely returned the case file for administrative assignment due to the court’s annual vacation.
He argued, “Let us assume there is an appeal; the question is, ‘has the leave of my lord been sought?’ The answer is no.” He emphasized that this supposed appeal could not halt the proceedings since the necessary leave of the court had not been requested.
Oyedepo asserted that Emefiele had not demonstrated any exceptional circumstances to justify a stay of proceedings and insisted there was no pending appeal that would affect the case’s final determination.
Justice Dipeolu has adjourned the matter until October 11 for a ruling on the application.
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