This development comes after Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, issued a one-week ultimatum to the DSS to either bring Emefiele to court or release him. The order was given during the ruling of a fundamental human rights suit filed by Emefiele against the DSS and others.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the constitutional duties of the DSS, including arrest and detention in order to prevent internal crimes. However, he emphasized that these duties must be carried out within the boundaries of the law. The judge stated that the DSS's arrest powers are subject to specific conditions regarding the duration and circumstances of holding a Nigerian citizen.
Emefiele had taken legal action against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Director General of the DSS, and the DSS itself, seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights to freedom of movement and dignity of human life. He argued that his arrest and detention since June 10, without a valid court order, should be declared null and void.
Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), represented Emefiele in the lawsuit and requested the court to set aside the detention, while also demanding N5 million in exemplary damages as compensation for the alleged unlawful detention.
The charges against Godwin Emefiele and the subsequent court proceedings have attracted significant attention, as the former CBN Governor is a prominent figure in Nigeria's financial sector. The case will now proceed in court, where further developments are expected to unfold in the coming days.
