Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is asking the court to order the respondents to pay N1bn in damages, is set to hear the judgment on his fundamental rights suit on January 8, 2024.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court is presiding over the case, which sees Emefiele pitted against the Federal Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Executive Chairman, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele’s suit follows his prolonged detention and subsequent transfer to the custody of the EFCC, actions he claims are unlawful due to the lack of an official arraignment.
He is seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement.
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According to the Punch, at the resumed hearing on Monday, Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa SAN, argued that his client’s detention for 151 days was contrary to the law.
He urged the court to enter judgment and award damages in Emefiele’s favour, stating that the Federal Government held Emefiele incommunicado, violating his rights and causing apprehension of further arrest.
However, the respondents’ counsels, Oyin Koleosho, SAN, and Farouk Abdullah, have urged the court to dismiss the suit, citing lack of merit and bad faith.
They questioned the authority and source of information of the deponent to the affidavit in support of the originating summons, rendering the deposition incompetent.
The case has drawn significant attention, with Justice Olukayode Adeniyi set to deliver judgment on January 8.