A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the arrest, detention and interrogation of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The order is coming barely 24 hours after an FCT High Court presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu, on Thursday, ordered Emefiele’s release on bail if he is not taken to court after seven days.
Emefiele, through his Counsel, Peter Abang, had in an Originating Motion on Notice, asked the court to set aside, quash, invalidate, and nullify the arrest and detention of the Applicant for being illegal and a nullity, in view of the subsisting judgement of Justice M A Hassan delivered on December 29, 2022.
Justice Bello Kawu, in his ruling on Friday, declared the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Emefiele a total violation of the subsisting judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022.
The court also set aside and invalidate any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the respondents, especially the DSS for the arrest, detention, and/or interrogation of Emefiele in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgment of Justice M A Hassan.
Justice Kawu further restrained the respondents, particularly the DSS, from arresting, detaining, further detaining or proceeding against, breaching, or interfering with Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement or taking any other steps against him in connection with any allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan.
Consequently, the court ordered the respondents, particularly the DSS, to forthwith release Emefiele from its custody.
The respondents in the suit are the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, the Attorney General of the Federation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Inspector General of Police, DSS and the CBN,
In his reaction to the judgment, Counsel to Emefiele, Abang, told newsmen that beyond the release of his client, Nigerians must celebrate the fact that Nigerian judges, despite several acts of intimidation by security agencies and some unfavourable conditions, under which they work, are bold to dispense justice not minding whose ox is gored.
He called on the DSS to immediately comply with the orders of the court and release his client.