Court Orders Release of Emefiele

Abuja High Court has ordered the release of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele from State Security Service (SSS) custody.

In a new ruling on Friday, Justice Bello Kawu nullified the arrest and detention of Emefiele, despite his arraignment.

Kawu stated that the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Emefiele violated a previous ruling by Justice M A Hassan in the suit marked FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022.

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The ruling, which was issued during the general election period, described the attempts to arrest Emefiele as “vindictive, unwarranted, abrasive, oppressive” and a breach of his rights.

The State Security Service (SSS) admitted that it ignored the ruling and proceeded to arraign Emefiele on new charges, which were not addressed in the 2022 ruling.

However, Emefiele’s counsel, Peter Abang urged the court to uphold the December 2022 order nullifying his arrest and detention.

The motion was filed against several parties, including the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Incorporated Trustees of the Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector-General of Police, SSS, and CBN.

The Judge agreed that the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Emefiele violated a court order and were deemed illegal.

The court not only set aside any warrant of arrest obtained by the DSS but also ruled for Emefiele’s release.

President Bola Tinubu had previously suspended Mr Emefiele as the governor of the CBN, citing ongoing investigations.