A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has declared the arrest, detention, and interrogation of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, by the Department of State Services (DSS) as null and void.
The presiding judge, Hon. Justice Bello Kawu, ruled that the actions of the DSS were in violation of a previous judgment and orders issued by Justice M. A. Hassan.
The judgment came in response to an Originating Motion on Notice filed by Emefiele against several parties, including the DSS. Emefiele’s counsel requested the court to set aside and nullify his client’s arrest and detention, citing the previous judgment by Justice Hassan.
The court granted the prayers, setting aside any warrant of arrest obtained by the DSS and restraining them from further interfering with Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement. The court also ordered the immediate release of Emefiele from custody. Emefiele’s counsel highlighted the significance of the court’s decision in upholding justice despite challenges faced by Nigerian judges.
He called on the DSS to comply with the court’s orders and release his client, who has been suffering from deteriorating health during the unlawful detention period.
