The High Court of Justice in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the immediate and unconditional release of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court made the order after Emefiele filed a Motion Ex-parte, seeking his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.

Justice O.A. Adeniyi made the order on Thursday, after hearing a motion filed by Emefiele’s lawyers. The applicant named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF) the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, and the EFCC itself as the respondents.

The court order includes the following key provisions: Immediate and Unconditional Release: The court ordered the 3rd and 4th Respondents (the Executive Chairman and the EFCC) to unconditionally release Emefiele from detention forthwith. Alternatively, they are directed to produce him in court on the date fixed for the hearing of the substantive Motion on Notice, with the possibility of being admitted to bail by the Court. On the hearing of the Substantive Motion, the court set the date for the hearing of the substantive motion on notice for Monday, November 6, 2023, at 1 p.m.