Court To Rule On CBN’s Emefiele Case Seeking Release From DSS Detention

Following his suspension and subsequent arrest, the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, is seeking his release from the detention of the Department of State Services (DSS).

CityNews Nigeria reports that the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, will today, Thursday, rule on its jurisdiction to hear the suit filed by Emefiele challenging his arrest and detention by the DSS.

Joseph Daudu (SAN), counsel to the suspended CBN governor, in the suit before the court, is alleging a violation of his human rights.

Joined as respondents in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation; the Director General of the DSS and the DSS, who have filed preliminary objections, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case and urging that the suit be dismissed.

Recall that the DSS, through its counsel, I. Awo had on June 20 told Justice Hamza Muazu that Emefiele’s detention was lawful as the DSS had got an order from an FCT Chief Magistrates’Court to keep him in custody pending the conclusion of an investigation.

While the counsel for the AGF, Tijjani Ghazali (SAN), argued that Emefiele’s arrest and detention by the DSS was an administrative decision of the executive arm of government, asking the court to stay clear.

Disagreeing with them, Emefiele’s lawyer maintained that the suit had merit.

Therefore, Justice Muazu adjourned till today to rule on whether or not he has jurisdiction to hear the case and consider Emefiele’s prayers.