Former CBN Governor Emefiele Seeks Release from DSS Detention, Court to Rule on Jurisdiction
Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is seeking his release from detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) following his suspension and subsequent arrest. The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja is set to rule on Thursday regarding its jurisdiction to hear the case filed by Emefiele, challenging his arrest and detention by the DSS. Joseph Daudu (SAN), Emefiele’s counsel, has alleged a violation of his client’s human rights in the suit before the court.
The respondents in the suit, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Director General of the DSS, and the DSS itself, have filed preliminary objections, contesting the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case and urging for its dismissal.
Previously, the DSS, represented by counsel I. Awo, informed Justice Hamza Muazu on June 20 that Emefiele’s detention was lawful, as the DSS obtained an order from an FCT Chief Magistrates’ Court to keep him in custody pending the conclusion of an investigation. The counsel for the Attorney General of the Federation, Tijjani Ghazali (SAN), argued that Emefiele’s arrest and detention by the DSS were administrative decisions of the executive arm of government, urging the court to stay clear of the matter.
Emefiele’s lawyer countered their arguments, maintaining that the suit had merit. The case is set for the court to determine its jurisdiction and consider Emefiele’s prayers.
