Court gavel
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the contempt proceeding against Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso until June 30, due to the absence of key lawyers.
The suit was filed by Melrose General Services Limited, which claims the CBN and its officials have not fully complied with a Supreme Court judgment.
According to C.E. Odum, counsel for Melrose General Services Limited, “The matter was slated for hearing today my lord.
The 4th and 5th defendants were not in court though they were duly served with hearing notice.”
Odum requested an adjournment, citing an agreement with Cardoso’s lawyer, Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN.
Sefinat Lamidi, who held brief for Ali, confirmed the agreement, stating, “That’s the position my lord.”
Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until June 30 for hearing.
The case revolves around a Paris Club refund, where Melrose General Services Limited was awarded N1.22 billion and N220 million for consultancy services rendered to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigated the payment, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Melrose, stating that the EFCC failed to prove the funds were proceeds of fraud.
However, Melrose claims that despite the Supreme Court’s decision, the CBN and its officials have only partially complied, refunding N1.22 billion but leaving the N220 million outstanding.
This, Melrose argues, constitutes contempt of court and undermines the Supreme Court’s authority.
