ABUJA, Nigeria – The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo, Abuja, has declared the arrest, detention, and interrogation of suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as invalid.
The decision arrived merely 24 hours following another court’s order that he be either charged or immediately released from Department of State Services, DSS, custody.
In a judgment on an Originating Motion on Notice filed by Mr. Emefiele, Justice Bello Kawo ruled that his arrest, detention, and questioning violated a standing judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022.
“Mr. Emefiele sought this court to quash his arrest and detention for being illegal and a nullity in light of the standing judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan delivered on December 29, 2022,” said his counsel, Mr. Peter Abang.
In a separate order, Justice Bello Kawu invalidated any warrant of arrest obtained by the DSS or other respondents relating to Mr. Emefiele’s allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, and threat to national security.
The court further granted an injunction preventing the DSS from interfering with Mr. Emefiele’s personal liberty, freedom of movement, or proceeding against him in connection with any allegations.
It also ordered the DSS to immediately release Mr. Emefiele from any detention or questioning regarding these allegations.
Counsel to Mr. Emefiele, Obed Agu, remarked on the judgment: “We were in court to seek enforcement of Justice Hassan’s judgment, which the DSS has refused to enforce. The DSS has not appealed or obtained a stay of execution of that judgment. Therefore, Emefiele, by his lawyers, came to this court to ask for enforcement of that judgment.”
Agu further explained: “When Justice Hassan ordered the DSS to charge Emefiele within seven days, they immediately went to Lagos to file a charge. But what we’re stating is that they have not obeyed the judgment of Justice Hassan obtained as far back as December 29, 2022.”
Agu appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “Let the rule of law reign; that is what we are asking for. The DSS can charge anybody, but it must be within the constitutional provisions, which they have the authority to do. That is our position, and that is what we are asking.”
