The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Monday ordered the remand of the former Central Bank Bank (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Rahman Oshodi gave the remand order over alleged abuse of office and $5.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud. Emefiele will remain behind bars until Thursday when the judge will determine his bail application. However, the judge remanded Emefiele's co-defendants, Herry Omoile, in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services.
The defendants counsel, Mr A. Labi-Lawal, had in his two bail applications urged the court to grant the defendants bail on self recognition and on liberal terms pending the determination of the case.
Labi-Lawal, in his 31 affidavits, said the first defendant (Emefiele) had complied with the bail application which was given to him by Justice Muazu in his alleged fraud trial case going on in Abuja.
He said the charges were bailable offences and not a capital offence.
“Though the first defendant was granted administrative bail by the prosecuting authority. He is seeking bail based on self recognition and he is ready to attend the court.”
“The court should also take into consideration, the status of the first defendant as he was the former CBN governor of the country,” he said.
The EFCC counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo in his response, did not oppose the request for bail. He asked the court to exercise its discretion in the grant of bail.
