CBN governor, Emefiele risks imprisonment over N182 billion judgement debt

The Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele has been charged in Court with contempt over unpaid judgement debt of N182 billion to Ogoni people.

Court had earlier awarded the sum of N182 billion to Ogoni people as a result of oil spillage caused the Ogoni land by the company.

Counsel to Ogoni people in the Niger Delta, Lucius Nwosu, SAN has filed a contempt charge, would see the Central Bank Governor being committed to prison, for allegedly disregarding order of court that awarded the money to the aggrieved Ogoni people.

Lawyer to Ogoni people wanted Mr. Emefiele to appear in court at Wednesday’s hearing, but he was absent.

The counsel argued that the case against Emefiele was semi-criminal in nature and warranted his physical presence in court to answer the charge.

But counsel to the defendant, Damian Dodo (SAN), informed the court that it was not the habit of his client to undermine the court of law. He therefore assured that Emefiele will do the needful at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, Shell Petroleum Limited represented by Olawale Skoni (SAN), informed the court that he had filed a motion, praying the court to dismiss the contempt charge or alternatively, stay proceedings after taking arguments.

The Judge while adjourning the matter till January 27, 2021, directed Emefiele and other parties to obey court before the next adjourned date.