Former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele granted bail
Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the country's top bank, has been released from detention following nearly five months due to accusations of corruption.
His release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the nation's anti-graft agency in West Africa, is contingent upon a bail decision made by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
"There must be an end to detention without trial," said Judge Olukayode Adeniyi, sitting in the High Court in the capital on Wednesday. His release on bond was contingent upon his giving up his passport and appearing in court on November 15th with his solicitors present.
On June 10, the day after his suspension as CBN governor, Mr. Emefiele was taken into custody by the DSS, the dreaded secret police. He has been detained ever since.
Law enforcement agencies are frequently allowed to prolong a suspect's detention period with a court's approval, despite the Nigerian constitution's 48-hour maximum limit on such periods. Mr. Emefiele, who is the subject of months-long investigations due to accusations of corruption, was present at the proceedings on Wednesday. In addition, he faces charges related to unlawful possession of a shotgun, which he refutes.
One of the former CBN chief's attorneys, Matthew Burkaa, confirmed the former executive's release, stating that Emefiele left the courtroom on Wednesday.
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