Court Gives Emefiele Ultimatum to Appear Over $53 Million Debt

• Federal High Court in Abuja sets a January 25 deadline for former CBN Governor Emefiele to appear in court regarding a $53 million judgment debt from the Pars Club refund
• The court offers another chance for Emefiele to explain his absence or potentially face an arrest warrant; his detainment by the DSS is cited as the reason

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a deadline of January 25 for the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to appear in court and provide details regarding a $53 million judgment debt from the Pars Club refund.

Justice Inyang Ekwo provided Emefiele another chance to personally appear in court or face the possibility of an arrest warrant. Emefiele and the CBN’s counsel, Audu Anuga, SAN, informed the court that efforts to ensure Emefiele’s compliance with the court order to appear in person had not been successful as he was still in custody.

Anuga stated that an affidavit explaining why an arrest warrant should not be issued against Emefiele was filed on October 30. Responding to the judge’s inquiry about the affidavit, the lawyer representing the judgment creditor/applicant, Mr. Joe Agi, SAN, stated that they received it on Monday, just before the close of business, and wished to respond.

The judge cautioned against late filing of legal documents and mentioned the previous court date in July. Anuga explained the efforts made to have Emefiele released in compliance with the court’s order, but the DSS did not follow the directive, resulting in the affidavit filing.

Anuga suggested exploring settlement given the past efforts and the change in CBN leadership. However, Justice Ekwo emphasized that Emefiele must be present at the next hearing date, indicating that court orders must be obeyed.

The judge adjourned the case until January 25, requiring Emefiele to provide reasons why an arrest warrant should not be issued against him.

An affidavit deposed to on behalf of Emefiele highlighted his willingness to appear but pointed to his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) as the reason for his inability to physically attend court proceedings. The document stated that Emefiele’s absence was not due to disrespect for the court but was beyond his control due to the DSS detainment.

The judge, who previously threatened to issue an arrest warrant on Emefiele, expressed his intention to give the ex-CBN boss an opportunity to explain the circumstances.

The ongoing case revolves around Emefiele’s appearance in court as requested but hindered by his detainment, which has led to the court’s repeated adjournments and warnings.