…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Just a day after a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ordered the release of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, another court has declared his arrest and subsequent detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) as null and void. This latest ruling adds a new twist to the ongoing legal saga surrounding Emefiele’s case.
Emefiele Seeks Intervention Against Multiple Parties
In his quest for justice, Godwin Emefiele sought the intervention of the court against various parties, including the Incorporated Trustees of the Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector General of Police, the State Security Service, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Violation of Previous Court Ruling
The presiding judge ruled in favor of Emefiele, stating that his arrest and detention were in direct violation of a previous ruling made by Justice M. A. Hassan. Emefiele’s counsel, Peter Abang, argued that the arrest and detention were in clear defiance of the standing order delivered by Justice Hassan on December 29, 2022.
Court Upholds Violation and Orders Release
Justice Bello Kawu, delivering the judgment, agreed with Emefiele’s counsel, acknowledging that the arrest and detention indeed violated the standing order issued by Justice Hassan.
In light of this, the court nullified any arrest warrant obtained by the Department of State Services (DSS) and ordered the immediate release of Godwin Emefiele from custody.
Counsel Hails the Decision and Urges Prompt Compliance
Following the court’s ruling, Emefiele’s counsel expressed appreciation for the courage displayed by Nigerian judges.
He urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to promptly comply with the court order and release Emefiele.
Furthermore, he emphasized the adverse impact of Emefiele’s one-month detention on his client’s health, underscoring the urgent need for him to receive necessary medical attention.
This latest court ruling adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Godwin Emefiele’s case.
The decision highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders closely watch for further developments in this high-profile matter.