The anticipated arraignment of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court faced a setback due to the ongoing strike by the Trade Union Congress and Nigerian Labour Congress.
Scheduled for hearing on Wednesday, Emefiele’s case was disrupted by the industrial action initiated by the leadership of both unions, prompted by the alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero in Imo State on November 1, 2023.
During court proceedings on November 9, Counsel for the Attorney-General of the Federation, Oyin Koleoso, had requested that Justice Olukayode Adeniyi refrain from releasing Emefiele on bail. Koleoso argued that the Federal Government planned to arraign him on November 15 and releasing him would complicate the prosecution’s efforts to ensure his attendance for arraignment.
Despite the plea, Adeniji granted bail to Emefiele, ordering his release and instructing him to appear in court for arraignment on Wednesday.
However, upon a visit to the court premises, our correspondent discovered that no court proceedings were taking place. Workers in the court revealed that the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory High Court directed them to join the strike. Furthermore, there was a notable absence of lawyers and litigants in the court premises at the time of filing this report.
