Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has given the Department of State Services (DSS) a one-week ultimatum to either charge the detained suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to court or release him. The judge issued this order during a ruling on a fundamental human rights suit filed by Emefiele against the DSS and others.
Justice Muazu acknowledged that the DSS has the authority to make arrests, conduct detentions, and prevent internal crimes, but emphasized that these actions must be carried out in accordance with the law. He stated that the arrest power of the DSS is subject to specific conditions and time limits outlined for holding Nigerian citizens.
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. Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, Emefiele requested that his arrest and detention since June 10, without a valid court order, be declared void and set aside. Additionally, he sought N5 million in exemplary damages for his alleged unlawful detention.
The court’s ultimatum highlights the importance of adhering to due process and respecting the rights of individuals, even in cases involving high-profile figures like the suspended CBN Governor. It remains to be seen how the DSS will respond to the judge’s ruling and whether they will comply with the order to either charge Emefiele or release him within the given timeframe.
