Emefiele ordered to show up on Jan 25 over $53m judgment debt

The former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been ordered by a Federal High Court in Abuja to appear before it on Jan. 25 to explain why he should not be arrested for failing to pay a 53 million-dollar judgement debt related to the Pars Club refund.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order on Tuesday after hearing from Emefiele and CBN’s lawyer, Audu Anuga, SAN, who said his client was still in custody and could not obey the court’s previous order to appear in person.

The judge also heard from I.A. Nnana, the counsel for Joe Agi, SAN, the judgement creditor/applicant in the suit, who said they received an affidavit from Emefiele on Oct. 30, showing cause why he should not be arrested.

Justice Ekwo warned Anuga against filing processes late and reminded him that the matter had been pending since July 19.

Anuga pleaded with the court to allow the parties to explore settlement options since there was a new governor at the CBN.

But Justice Ekwo insisted that Emefiele must show up on the next adjourned date.

He said he had given Emefiele enough chances and leniency, but the situation did not change.

Ekwo said the court must enforce its order, even if no one else does.

He then adjourned the matter until Jan. 25 for Emefiele to appear or face arrest.