Judge Threatens Arrest of Emefiele Over $53 Million Debt

Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has been given till January 25 by the Federal High Court in Abuja to come into court and provide an explanation of the facts underlying the $53 million judgement debt resulting from the Paris Club refund.

Emefiele was given another chance to appear in person by Justice Inyang Ekwo, who also issued a warrant for his arrest.

Emefiele’s attorney, Audu Anuga, begged that since he was still in detention, all attempts to guarantee his court appearance had failed.

Mr. Joe Agi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, filed a garnishee action against the CBN in order to get the Minister of Finance and Linas International Limited to pay back a $70 million judgement debt. $53 million remained after the CBN paid Agi a portion of the $70 million.

Emefiele has been ordered by Justice Ekwo to appear in court on several occasions on this issue. Anuga, Emefiele’s attorney, told the judge that Emefiele had submitted an affidavit outlining his justification for not having an arrest warrant issued for him.