Despite significant protests from the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Emefiele was permitted to return home and prepare for his arraignment on November 15 by the court.
Emefiele had been in government custody for the constitutionally necessary duration, which prompted Justice Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi to issue bail.
The Federal Government’s completion of an investigation into the allegations against the former CBN Chief, as well as their drafting of charges up until August of this year, provided additional grounds for the Judge’s decision.
Justice Adeniyi agreed that it is only fair to approve the bail application brought by Mathew Burkaa (SAN) for the release of Godwin Emefiele since the bail application aligns with the provisions of section 35 of Nigeria’s constitution.
The judge stated unequivocally that the federal government’s practice of holding people without allowing them to stand trial must cease.
News About Nigeria gathered that the AGF and the Federal Government, represented by Oyin Koleoso, vigorously opposed Emefiele’s application for parole because it would hamper the arraignment slated for November 15; however, they did not reveal to the court the facts of their interference.
The EFCC’s counsel, Farouk Abudalla, contended that Emefiele had not been in its custody for three months and requested the court to refuse the bail petition.
The applicant’s counsel, however, sliced through the Federal Government’s objections by pointing out that his client was not designated a flight risk, therefore, the accusation of likely interference during arraignment was speculative.
He directed Justice Ademiyi to reject the EFCC’s claim that Emefiele was just arrested on October 26.
According to the Senior Lawyer, a team of interministerial investigators from the EFCC, the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), which composed the government agency, were investigating the former CBN chairman.
Emefiele, on the other hand, must be released to his senior lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, who must produce him on whichever day the Federal Government chooses.
Emefiele must also leave his travel passport with the Court Registrar until his official arraignment.
