The anticipated arraignment of the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, faced an unexpected delay today at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, courtesy of the ongoing industrial strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The strike action, which saw members of JUSUN heed the call by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), was initiated in protest of an assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero in Imo State on November 1, 2023.*
A Channels Television correspondent who visited the court premises on Wednesday reported a locked gate and an absence of the usual flurry of lawyers trooping in and out of the court—a stark indication of the impact of the ongoing industrial action.
Last week, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi granted bail to Godwin Emefiele, the former CBN Governor. The court ordered his immediate release to his legal representatives, who ensured his appearance for arraignment today, Wednesday, or any subsequent day.
The strike has disrupted the normal judicial proceedings and cast a cloud of uncertainty over the legal proceedings involving Emefiele. It remains uncertain when the court activities will resume, pending the resolution of the industrial dispute.