he Federal Capital Territory High Court has approved the request of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to travel outside of Abuja. Emefiele, who is facing charges, sought a variation in the terms of his bail conditions, and the court granted the request during proceedings on Thursday.
On November 22, 2023, Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court granted bail to Emefiele in the sum of N300 million with two sureties in a like sum. The judge specified that the sureties must possess landed property in the Maitama District of the FCT. Additionally, Emefiele was ordered not to leave the court’s jurisdiction and was directed to deposit all his travel documents with the court.
During the recent proceedings, Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Bukka, SAN, requested the court to lift the travel restriction, assuring that his client would comply with bail conditions. Bukka emphasized that Emefiele’s travel documents were already in the court’s possession and reiterated the former CBN governor’s commitment to the legal process.
The counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, did not object to the request but suggested that Emefiele should provide an undertaking to remain in Nigeria for the trial’s duration.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu granted Emefiele’s application but emphasized that the former CBN governor must stay within the country throughout the trial. The court’s decision aims to ensure that Emefiele remains available for legal proceedings and prevents any potential evasion of trial responsibilities.
Emefiele faces charges related to his tenure as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the court will continue to oversee the proceedings by the stipulated bail conditions.
