Just in: Court voids Emefiele’s arrest, orders immediate release
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Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor
Another Abuja High Court has voided the arrest and detention of the suspended Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, by the Department of State Services.
In a judgment upon an Originating Motion on Notice brought before the Court by Mr. Emefiele, against Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Inspector General of Police, State Security Service (SSS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the presiding Judge held that the arrest, detention and interrogation of Emefiele were in violation of the subsisting judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022.
Mr. Emefiele through his Counsel, Mr. Peter Abang, had 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 judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan delivered on December 29, 2022.
In another prayer granted by Hon. Justice Bello Kawu, the Court made an order setting aside, voiding, quashing, invalidating and nullifying any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the Respondents, especially the DSS for the arrest, detention and/or interrogation of Mr. 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.
The court further granted an injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the DSS from arresting, detaining, or interfering with Mr. Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.
The court finally granted an order of injunction directing and mandating the Respondents, particularly the DSS to forthwith release and Mr. Emefiele from any arrest or detention.
News Band reports that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday, also ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to charge the former bank chief (Godwin Emiefele) to court within one week or release him on bail.
The court presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu gave the order in his ruling following a fundamental human rights suit filed by Emefiele, who was arrested by the secret police on June 10, 2023.
