Judge Threatens to Order Emefiele’s Arrest over $53m Debt

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has been given until January 25 to appear in the Federal High Court in Abuja and explain the circumstances surrounding the $53m judgment debt arising from the Paris Club refund, or face arrest, according to Justice Inyang Ekwo.

The ruling comes after Emefiele’s counsel, Audu Anuga (SAN), informed the court of his client’s unsuccessful attempts to appear in person due to his continued custody.

The judgment debt of $70m, initiated by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joe Agi, is being pursued against the Central Bank of Nigeria to recover funds from Linas International Limited and the Minister of Finance, with $53m remaining unpaid.

Despite previous court orders for Emefiele to appear, he has failed to do so. His lawyer, Anuga, filed an affidavit showing cause against issuing an arrest warrant.

An affidavit submitted by Jeremiah Utaan, a legal officer in the CBN’s Legal Department, stated that Emefiele has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 10.

The judge reiterated that court orders must be complied with and adjourned the matter until January 25 to allow time for a response from the creditor’s counsel before deciding on the issuance of an arrest warrant.