In a significant turn of events, a recent court ruling has nullified the arrest, detention, and interrogation of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
This ruling comes just one day after a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ordered Emefiele’s release from detention.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Bello Kawu in response to an Originating Motion on Notice filed by Emefiele against the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector General of Police, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Justice Kawu held that the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Emefiele were in clear violation of the existing judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022.
Emefiele’s Counsel, Peter Abang, had petitioned the court to invalidate and nullify his client’s arrest and detention, arguing that it was illegal and a nullity, given the previous judgment by Justice M. A. Hassan on December 29, 2022.
In his ruling, Justice Kawu not only declared the arrest, detention, and interrogation unlawful but also set aside any warrants of arrest obtained by the respondents, particularly the DSS.
These warrants were related to allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round-tripping, and threats to national security.
Furthermore, the court ordered the immediate release of Emefiele from DSS custody, emphasizing the violation of his rights.
Responding to the judgment, Emefiele’s counsel expressed satisfaction and called for celebration, noting that Nigerian judges, despite facing intimidation from security agencies and unfavorable working conditions, remain steadfast in dispensing justice without fear or favor.
The counsel further urged the DSS to promptly comply with the court’s orders and release Emefiele, highlighting his client’s deteriorating health condition due to over a month of illegal and unlawful arrest and detention.
