The Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama has issued a ruling directing the Department of State Services (DSS) to release Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), within seven days or bring him before the court for trial.
Justice Hamza Muazu, delivering the judgment, declared that Emefiele’s prolonged detention without trial was a severe violation of his fundamental human rights.
The court emphasized that adherence to the law is crucial as the Nigerian Constitution is built on the principle of the rule of law. The judgment further stated that even brief detentions can constitute a breach of fundamental rights.
While acknowledging an existing court order permitting the DSS to detain Emefiele for 14 days to complete investigations, the court highlighted that the allegations against him were bailable offenses and, therefore, the DSS should have granted him administrative bail during the ongoing prosecution process.
Justice Muazu recognized the reputable status of the DSS as a security institution responsible for internal security, urging it to operate within the confines of the Constitution. The court concluded by ordering the Respondents to either charge Emefiele to court or release him on administrative bail within one week.
The judgment resulted from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Emefiele, represented by a legal team led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN. Emefiele, who has been in detention since June 9, alleged constitutional violations of his rights to liberty, freedom of movement, and fair hearing in the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/6450/23
