The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) division of the High Court has approved the request of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to travel outside Abuja. This decision follows Emefiele’s plea, presented through his lawyer, Mathew Bukka, SAN, seeking a modification of the terms within his bail conditions.
Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court had initially granted Emefiele bail on November 22, 2023, setting the bail amount at N300 million with two sureties in a similar sum. Justice Muazu stipulated that these sureties must possess landed property in the Maitama District of the FCT. Furthermore, the former CBN governor was prohibited from leaving the court’s jurisdiction and was directed to deposit all his travel documents with the court.
During the recent proceedings, Bukka assured the court that Emefiele would not violate bail conditions if the travel restriction was lifted, emphasizing that the defendant’s travel documents were already in the court’s possession. The counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, did not raise objections but suggested that Emefiele provide an undertaking to remain in Nigeria throughout the trial.
In response, Justice Muazu granted Emefiele’s application, emphasizing that the defendant must stay within the country until the conclusion of his trial. The judge acknowledged the concerns raised by the EFCC counsel and underscored the importance of ensuring the defendant’s presence throughout the legal proceedings.
