Court Issues Ultimatum To DSS Over Emefiele’s Detention

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the Department of State Services, DSS, to release the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele or charge him to court within seven days.

Justice Hamza Muazu gave the order in a ruling on a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Emefiele challenging his detention by the DSS.

In an originating motion on notice, Emefiele had prayed the court to enforce his right to liberty and freedom of movement, as there was no basis for his detention.

However, the Attorney General of the Federation and the DSS had insisted that the detention of the suspended CBN Governor was lawful.

In it’s ruling, the court held that it was unlawful for the Federal Government to continue to detain Emefiele without charging him to court.

Reacting to the ruling, Counsel for the plaintiff and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Joseph Daudu urged the federal government to obey the decision of the court in the interest of justice.

According to Chief Daudu, his client is expected to be released today on administrative bail.