Court fines EFCC N3m for declaring Emefiele’s wife wanted

A federal high court in Lagos has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring Margaret Ermefiele, the wife of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, wanted.

Presiding Judge Deinde Dipeoluruled in favour of Margaret’s fundamental right suit on Friday, ordering the EFCC to pay her N3 milion in damages for infringing on her rights.

In February, the EFCC had declared Margaret wanted for alleged money laundering, publishing her photos and details, aong with those of three other individuals Eric Ocheme Odoh, Anita Joy Omoile, and Jonathan Omoile-on its website and social media pages.

According to a notice signed by Dele Oyewale, the EFCCs head of media and publicity, the four individuals allegedly coluded with the former CBN governor to divert sutbstantial sums from federal government coffers.

Margaret, aggrieved by the EFCC’s actions, sued the agency and its chairman for declaring her wanted and publishing her photograph without a valid court order.

She requested that the court order the EFCC to remove her name and photograph from the wanted persons list and issue a public apology on two national television stations and in three newspapers for the alleged rights infringement.

In his judgment, Judge Dipeolu concurred that the EFCC’s actions were illegal, as they did not comply with the provisions of Sections 41 and 42 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and were carried out without any valid charge or court order.