Tag: emefiele

Another headache for Emefiele as EFCC files fresh charges over 753 Abuja housing units

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed fresh charges against the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

The charges, filed before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, allege that Emefiele unlawfully acquired a housing estate comprising 753 units, and allegedly stole and controlled billions of naira in proxy accounts.

The EFCC, in the charge marked CR/350/25 and dated Friday, May 30, 2025, accused Emefiele of colluding with one Eric Ocheme, who is reportedly at large, to acquire the property and monies.

The property is stated to be located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, FCT, Abuja.

It spans 150,462.86 square metres and comprises 753 housing units.

The EFCC previously recovered the estate from an unnamed former senior government official and obtained a forfeiture order on the property from the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.

Emefiele, through his lawyer, A.M. Kotoye (SAN), filed a motion as an interested party in the case.

The court in its judgment however dismissed Emefiele’s motion.

Dissatisfied, he appealed the decision at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to overturn the High Court’s forfeiture order.

The estate has now been handed over to the Federal Government, which has disclosed plans to sell it to low and middle income Nigerians.

Emefiele however filed a notice of injunction, urging the government to refrain from taking further action on the property until his appeal was heard.

The EFCC, in an eight-count charge naming Emefiele as the sole defendant, alleged that he knowingly controlled property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully acquired.

The charges also claimed violations under Section 319(A) of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.

Count One alleges that Emefiele and Eric Ocheme (at large), in August 2021, knowingly controlled property located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully acquired.

Count Two states that between January and December 2019, Emefiele and Ocheme controlled ₦167,300,000 (One Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only) domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ Zenith Bank account which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

Count Three alleges that between January and December 2020, they had under their control the total sum of N 1, 235,959,000 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty Five Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Nine Million Naira) domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc.

Count Four claims that between January and December 2021, the duo controlled ₦2,945,331,050 (Two Billion, Nine Hundred and Forty Five Million, Three Hundred and Thirty One Thousand Fifty Naira.) in Kelvito Integrated Services’ Zenith Bank account.

Count Five accuses them of controlling ₦1,985,412,246 One Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty Five Million, Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty six Naira) between January and December 2022, also in Kelvito Integrated Services’ Zenith Bank account.

Count Six alleges that they controlled the total sum of Sum of N900, 000,000 (Nine Hundred Million Naira) domiciled in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account No: 1210750237 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

Count Seven claims Emefiele and his alleged accomplice knowingly had under their control sometime in August, 2021 in Abuja, the total sum of Sum of N600, 000,000 (Six Hundred Million Naira) domiciled in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account No: 1210750237 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

Count Eight accuses Emefiele of forging a document in January 2021 titled “Irrevocable Power of Attorney Between MG Properties Limited and H and Y Business Global Limited” to mislead others into believing it was authorised by H and Y Business Global Limited.

The EFCC has listed 24 witnesses, including representatives from Zenith Bank and Access Bank, to testify when the trial begins.

Emefiele served as governor of the CBN from 2014 until June 2023, when he was taken into custody by the Department of State Services.

He resigned while in custody.

Emefiele faces other criminal charges in Abuja and Lagos High Courts.

June 1, 2025
Court grants EFCC leave to play disc in trial of CBN ex-gov, Emefiele

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leave to play compact disc as evidence in the trial of a former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele is being prosecuted before Justice Maryanne Anenih by the EFCC on a six-count charge in which he, among others, was accused of unlawfully printing of new naira notes (naira redesign).

Anenih granted the EFCC leave after the prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN asked for it.

At the resumed hearing on the matter, Oyedepo told the court that the business of the day was continuation of evidence of their seventh witness PW 7.

He however said there were other intervening events.

“My attention was drawn to a motion filed by the defendant counsel yesterday, though I learnt it was served on EFCC on April 25.

“The request in that motion will have an impact on the evidence of the witness; in view of that, I communicated with the defendant ‘s counsel so that we can see how to go about it,” he said.

He informed the court that he had a motion patterning a compact disc, which he had sent to the defence.

He said the prosecution could only play it when the leave of the court is sought.

He therefore sought for an adjournment for parties to look at the issues together.

Responding, the defendant counsel, Olulekun Ojo, SAN informed the court that on April 24, the defence filed a disclosure motion asking for facilities.

He said the filing of the motion could not stop the evidence of PW7 from going on because they stated that the facilities would be used at the trial.

“The facilities captured were what the prosecution stated to have provided at the inception of the case,” he said.

He added that for the day not to be seen as wasted, he would like a situation whereby the evidence of the PW 7 continued.

Ojo lamented that the defence spends about N4 million attending the trial from outside jurisdiction (Lagos)

He however said that he would leave it to the discretion of the court.

After listening to both parties, Anenih granted the EFCC leave to play the digital evidence.

“Application for adjournment is granted in the interest of justice to continue with the digital evidence and the oral evidence of PW7.

“Trial will continue on the already stated dates, May 6 and 22,” the judge said

April 29, 2025
Court rejects EFCC’s additional proof of evidence against Emefiele

An Abuja high court on Thursday rejected the additional proof of evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele is charged with alleged procurement fraud by the EFCC.

The additional proof of evidence filed on Oct. 15, 2024 by the EFCC, sought to introduce fresh evidence against Emefiele, more than 365 days when the charges against him was filed.

It also sought to bring two witnesses, Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose extra judicial statements were made in August 2024, in respect of the charge that had been filed in August 2023.

Delivering ruling in a motion on notice filed by Emefiele, Justice Hamza Muazu rejected the additional proof of evidence.

He held that the anti-graft agency had on Feb. 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.

The judge noted that the charge against Emefiele was filed Aug. 14, 2023 and his plea taking on Nov. 16, 2023.

He held that the action of the EFCC had a resemblance of denial of fair trial because Emefiele was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.

The judge held that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.

He agreed that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair hearing is being breached.

Justice Muaza held that the position of the law, is that the charge was filed upon the completion of investigation.

He added and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case.

The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.

Justice Muaza held that the charge cannot be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed.

The judge held that having gone so far, justice would be served if the trial is completed on its merit and final judgment delivered in the matter.

He also declined to expunge the evidence of Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga from the court records as requested by Emefiele that the evidence of the two witnesses offended Section 36 (2) of the 1999 Constitution on fair hearing.

Emefiele had in the motion argued by his lead counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN complained that the evidence of Mustapha and Mairiga were brought to court by EFCC without confronting him with their extra judicial statements made long after the trial had commenced.

Meanwhile, Justice Muaza adjourned until June 3, for continuation of trial

The EFCC charged Emefiele with 20 counts amended charge of criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

The EFCC alleged that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).

He is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd in suit marked: FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.

March 20, 2025
REVEALED! How Emefiele’s cronies acquired 753 duplexes in FCT using forex kickbacks

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has revealed the massive Abuja property with 753 duplexes and other apartments located in the Cadastral Zone area of the capital city was acquired by the immediate-past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele and his cronies.

The revelation was made by the anti-corruption body in court documents.

Recall that the anti-graft agency had on Monday announced the recovery of the property from an unnamed ex-government top brass, describing the property as the biggest single recovery it had made in the course of fighting corruption since its establishment in 2003.

However, they failed to name the individuals who owned the properties.

However, documents released by Omoyele Sowore showed that the EFCC told the court that the properties belonged to Emefiele and his cronies.

Emefiele is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC in three separate cases before different judges.

Before Justice Hamza Mu’azu, he is being tried for procurement fraud, forgery of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature, and other charges.

Before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, Emefiele is charged with alleged fraud involving $4.5bn and N2.8bn.

Additionally, Emefiele is before Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court in Abuja for allegedly approving the printing of N684.5m notes at the cost of N18.96bn.

According to the document, Emefiele allegedly carried out “monumental fraud” as the CBN governor with his cronies to acquire several properties including the estate.

second paid N700m, while the third paid N600m, totalling N2.2bn.

It said the directors of the companies were arrested “and their statements voluntarily obtained in the course of investigation.”

“The funds used in the acquisition of the property highlighted in Schedule A to this application are not legitimate earnings of Godwin Emefiele but funds acquired through illegal and unlawful activities.

“That I know as a fact and verily believe that the source/origin of the funds used in the acquisition and/or development of the properties sought to be forfeited are proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: corrupt enrichment, receiving of gratification or kickbacks and abuse of office,” an EFCC investigator stated in the affidavit filed in court.

The EFCC noted that the court had on November 1, 2024 made an order for the temporary forfeiture of the property “after evaluating facts placed before it.”

It, therefore, urged the judge to order the permanent forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government as no one had come forward to challenge the facts placed before the court, in spite of adverting the interim forfeiture order in The PUNCH edition of November 6, 2024.

According to the EFCC, the court acceded to its request and has now permanently forfeited the property to the Federal Government.

December 4, 2024
Court orders forfeiture of $2.04 Million, seven properties linked to ex-CBN governor Emefiele”

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of $2.04 million and seven properties linked to the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is investigating alleged fraudulent activities involving Emefiele.

The properties include two fully detached duplexes at 17b Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; a 1,919.592 sqm undeveloped land on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive) in Ikoyi; a bungalow at 65a Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; a four-bedroom duplex at 12a Probyn Road, Ikoyi; an industrial complex on 22 plots in Agbor, Delta State; eight apartments on Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi; and a full duplex at 2a Bank Road, Ikoyi.

Justice Aluko emphasized the interim forfeiture was necessary to prevent the dissipation of assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of two share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, a company allegedly linked to Emefiele.

EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who filed the application in suit FHC/L/MISC/500/24, argued that the assets were obtained through fraudulent means. Justice Aluko, after granting the interim forfeiture order, directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper and gave 14 days for anyone with an interest in the funds and properties to appear in court to show cause why they should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. The case is adjourned to September 5, 2024, for further hearing.

This latest order follows previous forfeiture orders involving Emefiele. On May 29, 2024, the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the forfeiture of $1.4 million linked to Emefiele. Earlier, on May 23, the EFCC obtained forfeiture orders on $4.7 million, N830 million, and other properties connected to him.

There was also a separate permanent forfeiture order for properties worth N12.18 billion from Emefiele.

August 16, 2024
Court dismisses Emefiele’s application to travel to UK for medicals

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to travel to the UK medical treatment.

The EFCC charged Emefiele with criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

Among the allegations was that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).

Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on February 8, 2023 knowingly obtain, by false pretence, $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Mr. President’s directive.”

Justice Hamza Muazu,dismissed the application in a ruling.

Muazu held that though the applicant stated that he would be away from July 28 to Sept 10, there was no medical appointment or invitation brought before the court.

He held that though, the court had the discretion to grant leave but the applicant is standing trial in various charges in three courts, two in FCT and one in Lagos.

” The letter of invitation for medical follow up is not attached.

” As it stands now, I can not use my discretion to grant the application and he is standing trial in three courts.

” The application is hereby dismissed and the adjourned date for continuation of trial still stands” he held.

At the proceedings of June 25, Enefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, informed the judge of the defendant’s application for medical leave.

The judge adjourned the hearing of the application until July 8.

On July 8, Emefiele through his lawyer, Labi Lawal, urged the court to release his passport, previously deposited as part of his bail conditions, to enable him to travel to the UK for medical treatment.

However, the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, argued that no medical report was presented to the court showing that Emefiele was suffering from an ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria.

He added that the defence did not present any medical report showing that an ailment plagued Emefiele.

Lawal told the court that there was also no evidence to show that his ailment cannot be treated in Nigeria.

He also stated that Emefiele posed a flight risk due to his connections with co-conspirators abroad and ongoing trials in three different courts.

However, the defence counsel faulted the prosecution’s arguments as speculative.

He said an international red alert could ensure Emefiele is returned if he did not comply after the medical trip.

July 16, 2024
REVEALED! How Emefiele awarded contracts to wife, brother-in-law as CBN Gov, witness tells court

The seventh prosecution witness has told court that the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, awarded contracts to companies owned by his wife and brother-in-law.

The witness, Michael Agboro, told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja that the contracts were approved by Emefiele when he was the apex bank governor.

He also said that Emefiele was an employee of the CBN and not a member of the tender’s board or procurement department.

Emefiele is facing trial on a 20-count amended charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at FCT High Court.

The former CBN boss is accused of criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretences, and obtaining money by false pretences during his tenure as the CBN governor.

The EFCC has accused Emefiele of forging a document titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions” dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201, purportedly from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Also, Emefiele is accused of using his position to confer unfair and corrupt advantages on two companies: April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Agboro, an investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was cross-examined by Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa (SAN).

When asked if Emefiele conferred unfair and corrupt advantages on himself, Agboro responded that Emefiele conferred these advantages on Saadatu Yaro, a public officer working under him, as well as on his wife and brother-in-law.

The witness admitted that the investigation focused on Emefiele, his wife, relatives, and associates, revealing that Emefiele was not a director, shareholder, or account signatory in either April 1616 Nigeria Ltd or Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

He also noted there was no evidence of any payment made to Emefiele by these companies during his duties at the CBN.

When asked if they interviewed people in the CBN to verify whether the two firms executed their contracted jobs, Agboro confirmed they did but could not recall if this was included in the final report.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on March 11, Agboro tendered several documents, including company registration documents and records of contract awards and payments.

He added that his team’s investigation, which included members from the ICPC, EFCC, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and the Department of State Services (DSS), showed that while Yaro, a director of April 1616, was a public officer with the CBN, Emefiele’s wife, Margaret Omoyile, and his brother-in-law, Mac Congo, were directors in Architekon.

He said, “We limited our investigation to him, his wife, relatives and associates.

“Our findings revealed that the defendant was not a director or shareholder or an account signatory in either April1616 limited or Architekon Nigeria limited.”

The trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the matter until Tuesday, June 25 for the re-examination of the witness.

June 24, 2024
Emefiele exposed for printing another Naira: ‘Design approved by Buhari had QR code’

A former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Director of Currency Operations, Ahmed Umar, has exposed the immediate past governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele for printing his own design of the naira.

Umar revealed this while giving evidence at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court sitting in Maitama.

The former CBN director said the features in the design approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari was different from the one Emefiele ordered to be printed.

Umar said, “The design approved by the President had a QR code, which the currency in circulation does not. The positioning of the portrait was on the right side, that printed by the CBN was on the left and the number scheme approved by the President is different from what the CBN produced.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on May 15, arraigned Emefiele on a four count charge before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court.

Emefiele however denied the charge and was admitted to bail in the sum of N300 million.

June 11, 2024
Clean up Emefiele’s mess thoroughly – Northern group urges CBN

Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has urged the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, to thoroughly clean up its structure to rid the apex bank of influences of Godwin Emefiele-led tenure.

NEYGA made the call in a statement by its Spokesman, Mallam Ibrahim Dan-Musa, on Monday in Abuja.

Dan-Musa accused the former leadership of the apex bank of mismanaging funds and compromising the bank’s integrity, adding that Emefiele’s actions were detrimental to the country’s economy.

He demanded that the current management should take action to hold whoever was involved accountable for their actions.

According to the group, leaving any remnants of the previous leadership in place would frustrate the ongoing reforms at the CBN and hinder the country’s economic progress.

They urged Nigerians to support the current management in their efforts to restore the CBN’s credibility and stability.

“We must embrace reform now or face the consequences tomorrow.

“We commend the special investigations committee led by Jim Obazee for uncovering the details of the mismanagement and demanded decisive action towards reform and accountability.

“The CBN faces intense scrutiny over its handling of the country’s economy.

“The current management has promised to implement reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring public trust in the bank,” the group said.

Dan-Musa said that NEYGA had passed a vote of confidence on the new management of the apex bank and a call to action to ensure that those responsible for the country’s economic woes were held accountable.

June 10, 2024
Emefiele gets N300m bail, denies unlawful naira printing as CBN governor

An FCT High Court on Wednesday admitted the embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele to bail in the sum of N300 million .

Justice Maryann Anenih granted him to bail while ruling on his bail application over alleged unlawful naira colour swap.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission brought against him a-four – count amended charge bordering on disobedience to direction of the law marked charge No: CR/264/2024.

Anenih in addition, ordered Emefiele to produce for two sureties in like sum who must have property in Maitama district of Abuja.

The sureties who must in addition present the title documents and certificates of occupancy (C of O) to the court for verification.

The sureties in addition must submit to the Registrar of the court their recent passport photographs.

The judge further added that Emefiele should submit to the registrar of the court his travelling documents and must be within Abuja within the period of his trial.

The judge ordered that the certified true copy (CTC) from Justice Hamza Muazu’s bail conditions who granted him bail earlier must be submitted to her court.

Anenih adjourned until May 28 for trial.

The EFCC alleged that Emefiele, between October 2022 and March 2023, disobeyed the direction of section 19 of the CBN Act by approving the printing of 375,520,000 pieces of ”colour swapped” N1.000 for N11billon without the recommendation of board of the banl.

In count two, he was accused of spending N4.4 billion to print 172,070,000 pieces of N500 colour swap.

While count three stated that the embattled CBN governor used N3.4 billion to print colour swap of 137,070,000 pieces of N200.

EFCC accused Emefiele in count four of withdrawing N124.8 billion from the consolidated revenue fund of Federation in a manner not prescribed by the National Assembly which caused injury to the public , contrary to section 123 of the penal code.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

Earlier counsel for Emefiele, Mahmoud Magaji, SAN argued his bail application praying the court to admit him(Emefiele) to bail in self recognises .

He added that in alternative, the court should grant him bail in the same conditions Justice Hamza Muazu of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) granted him.

Magaji informed the court that the defendant had always been in court for his trial.

Responding, counsel for EFCC , Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN affirmed what Emefiele ‘s counsel told the court ‘ he is always present in court for his trial.’

Emefiele is also standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu of FCT high court on an alleged 20-count amended charge, preferred against him by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court also on Jan. 8 awarded N100 million damages to suspended former governor of the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) against the federal government and Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for violations of his right.

Adeniyi further restrained the federal government and it’s agents from arresting Emefiele unless an order was obtained through a competent court.

The judge held that the respondents need not incarcerate the applicant in other to carry out investigation for a long period as against the provisions of the law.

” No material placed before the court to show that the release of the applicant will in any way interfere with the investigation of allegations preferred against him.

The embattled Emefiele had dragged the Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Executive Chairman, the EFCC before the court to enforce his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of movement.

Emefiele sought a declaration of the court that his continued detention by the agency of the first and second respondents since June 10, 2023 and subsequent transfer to the custody of the third and fourth respondents on Oct. 26, 2023 without being arraigned in court is unlawful.

He said the respondents in deviance of several valid subsisting court orders for his release amounts to a grave violation of his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

May 15, 2024