The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been charged to court in compliance with an order issued by the Abuja High Court.
The DSS spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, announced the development, stating that the charges were based on suspected fresh criminal infractions/information.
DSS had previously applied for a court order to detain Mr. Emefiele in 2022, but he obtained a restraining order from the FCT High Court, which prevented his arrest.
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Emefiele is free
Emefiele, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu, sought the enforcement of his fundamental right to freedom of movement and dignity of human life.
He demanded the voiding of his arrest and detention without a valid court order since June 10, 2023, and requested N5 million as compensation for unlawful detention.
The court acknowledged that Emefiele’s detention was backed by a lawful order from a magistrate’s court, but it expressed concern about the absence of any charges against him.
He is no more free
The FCT High Court, gave the DSS a one-week ultimatum to either charge Emefiele to court or release him. The court ruled on a fundamental human rights suit filed by Emefiele, challenging his arrest and continued detention.
Justice Hamza Muazu emphasized that while the DSS has the power to carry out its duties, it must operate within the confines of the law. The judge stated that the continued detention without trial violated Emefiele’s fundamental human rights.
Joseph Daudu, Emefiele’s lawyer called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate respect for the rule of law and ensure government agencies adhere to lawful court orders.
In response, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, reiterated that Emefiele had been charged to court in compliance with the court order.
He clarified that the DSS had applied for a court order to detain Emefiele in 2022, but despite obtaining a restraining order, the DSS arrested him in June 2023 based on suspected fresh criminal infractions.
President Tinubu Suspends CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele
Godwin Emefiele has been suspended as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
On Friday, June 9, the secretary’s office informed the federal government (SGF) of his suspension. As stated in the suspension notice, Emefiele was told to leave his office immediately.
In a statement released on Friday, June 9, Willie Bassey, director of communication for the SGF office, underlined that the suspension is effective immediately.
