Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has set a new deadline for former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to appear in court and provide an explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding a $53 million judgment debt stemming from the Paris Club refund.
Emefiele has until January 25 to comply with the court order or potentially face an arrest warrant.
This decision comes in the wake of Emefiele and CBN’s counsel, Audu Anuga, SAN, revealing their inability to secure Emefiele’s personal appearance in court, as he was reportedly still in custody.
Anuga informed the court that an affidavit contesting the issuance of an arrest warrant for Emefiele was filed on October 30.
Justice Ekwo inquired if I.A. Nnana, the attorney representing Mr. Joe Agi, SAN, the judgment creditor/applicant in the case, had been served with the affidavit.
Nnana confirmed receipt of the affidavit on Monday, shortly before the close of business, and expressed intention to respond.
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The judge, while cautioning Anuga against late filing of legal documents, emphasized that the case had been pending since July 19. Anuga explained that despite efforts made to secure Emefiele’s release in compliance with the court order, it had not been executed, prompting the filing of the affidavit.
Anuga proposed that the parties explore a settlement option, especially considering the ongoing negotiations and the change in CBN leadership. However, Justice Ekwo insisted that he must appear on the next scheduled court date.
“As for the 4th respondent (Emefiele), I have always said that contempt proceedings follow a person, whether the person is still there or not.
“In this case, I have given this particular person so much liberty, so much leniency, and the situation does not seem to change.
“I will adjourn the matter because the other side says they want to react to the process so there is no much talk.
“Order of court must be complied with and even if no one complies with the order of the court, the court must comply with its order.
“I will give you sufficient time,” he said.
As a result, the judge postponed the case until January 25, requiring him to provide reasons why an arrest warrant should not be issued against him.