The Department of State Services (DSS) has called on the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to reject the fundamental rights suit filed by Godwin Emefiele, the suspended and detained Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Emefiele, through his lawyer J.B. Daudu, sought his release, claiming that the DSS had unlawfully detained him.
The DSS, represented by counsel I. Awo, filed a preliminary objection opposing the suit. During the court hearing before Justice Hamza Muazu, Awo argued that Emefiele’s detention was lawful, as the DSS had obtained an order from an FCT Chief Magistrate Court to keep the suspended CBN governor in custody until the conclusion of the investigation.
The DSS lawyer urged the court to dismiss the suit and impose a fine on Emefiele. Emefiele was arrested by the DSS on June 9 in Lagos following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu, who also ordered an investigation into the CBN. While specific allegations against Emefiele have not been disclosed by the government, the media has been cautioned by the DSS to exercise prudence in reporting on the matter. Emefiele’s troubles are likely linked to the controversial naira redesign policy, which caused a cash crisis before the last general elections.
Emefiele’s fundamental rights suit, which seeks to challenge his detention, names the Attorney General of the Federation, the Director General of the DSS, and the DSS itself as defendants. In response, the Attorney General’s office, represented by lawyer Tijjani Ghazali (SAN), also filed a preliminary objection, contesting the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case. Ghazali argued that Emefiele’s arrest and detention were administrative decisions of the executive branch of government. Moreover, he asserted that Emefiele’s claim of unlawful detention was baseless, as the DSS had obtained a court order to support the detention. As a result, he requested the court to dismiss the suit.
Justice Muazu, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the case until July 13 for a ruling on the matter.