- The EFCC urged the court to dismiss Godwin Emefiele’s application to stop the seizure of $2.045 million and properties linked to him
- Emefiele’s counsel argued for a stay of proceedings, but the EFCC claimed Emefiele had filed no formal appeal
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the court to dismiss an application filed by the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking to stop the seizure of $2.045 million, landed properties, and shares linked to him.
On August 25, 2024, the court granted the EFCC permission to temporarily take custody of the cash, properties, and shares.
During the hearing on Friday, Emefiele’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olalekan Ojo, asked Justice Deinde Dipeolu to halt proceedings until an appeal he filed is resolved. Ojo argued that proceeding without waiting for the appeal would result in “judicial rascality.”
However, EFCC counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the request, stating that no formal appeal had been filed by Emefiele.
He pointed out that there was no ruling or motion from which an appeal could arise, and described Emefiele’s appeal submission as merely dumping documents at the Court of Appeal registry.
Oyedepo argued that even if an appeal existed, Emefiele’s legal team had not sought the required permission from the court, as mandated by the court rules when appealing on grounds of mixed fact and law.
He maintained that no exceptional circumstances justified staying the proceedings and urged the court to dismiss the application and continue with the case.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case until October 11, 2024, when he will deliver his ruling on the application.