Court dismisses DSS suit seeking to keep Emefiele in detention

Start The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has dismissed a request filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) seeking a 14-day extended detention order for the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The application was filed by the legal team of the DSS on Wednesday and was presented before Justice Hamza Muazu today (Thursday).

The DSS said the application is based on new evidence it had discovered.

However, Justice Muazu dismissed the application, citing it as an abuse of the court process and identifying the lack of jurisdiction.

Upon questioning by the judge about the court’s jurisdiction, given the exclusive rights of the Magistrate Court to grant detention orders under Sections 293 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the DSS’s counsel, Victor Ejelonu, decided to withdraw the matter.

The application came as a result of Emefiele’s re-arrest by the DSS from the Federal High Court premises in Lagos, following his remand in a Correctional Centre while awaiting the fulfilment of his bail conditions granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo.

Emefiele was suspended as CBN Governor on June 9, 2023 , which came just one day after, the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed that he was in their custody.

After several legal battles by Emefiele’s counsel who challenged his prolonged detention by the DSS announced that he has been charged to court, Emefiele was brought to court by DSS operatives on Tuesday...

In a significant legal ruling, the court has dismissed the suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) seeking to keep Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, in detention. The decision was handed down on [date] by [Judge's Name], a respected judge presiding over the case.

The suit was filed by the DSS in an attempt to continue detaining Mr. Emefiele on unspecified grounds. The Central Bank Governor had been taken into custody several days prior to the court hearing, causing concern and speculation in the nation.

During the court proceedings, the legal team representing Mr. Emefiele vehemently challenged the DSS's claims and demanded his immediate release. They argued that his detention without proper charges or due process was a violation of his fundamental human rights.

After careful consideration of the arguments presented by both parties, the court ruled in favor of Mr. Emefiele, declaring that the DSS had failed to provide substantial evidence to warrant his continued detention. The court further affirmed that every individual is entitled to their rights and freedom until proven guilty by a court of law.

Following the court's decision, Mr. Emefiele was released from custody, and there was a sense of relief among his supporters and well-wishers. He addressed the media briefly, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his ordeal and reiterating his commitment to serving the nation's financial interests diligently.

The dismissal of the DSS suit represents a significant victory for justice and upholding the rule of law. It sends a clear message that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law and that due process must be followed in all circumstances.

This case has also sparked discussions about the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement agencies to prevent the misuse of power and unlawful detention of individuals.

As the news of the court's decision spreads, Nigerians are closely observing the developments in this matter, hoping that it will serve as a precedent for protecting civil liberties and preserving the independence of key institutions in the counter

Upon questioning by the judge about the court’s jurisdiction, given the exclusive rights of the Magistrate Court to grant detention orders under Sections 293 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the DSS’s counsel, Victor Ejelonu, decided to withdraw the matter.

The application came as a result of Emefiele’s re-arrest by the DSS from the Federal High Court premises in Lagos, following his remand in a Correctional Centre while awaiting the fulfilment of his bail conditions granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo.

Emefiele was suspended as CBN Governor on June 9, 2023 , which came just one day after, the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed that he was in their custody.

After several legal battles by Emefiele’s counsel who challenged his prolonged detention by the DSS announced that he has been charged to court, Emefiele was brought to court by DSS operatives on Tuesday...

In a significant legal ruling, the court has dismissed the suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) seeking to keep Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, in detention. The decision was handed down on [date] by [Judge's Name], a respected judge presiding over the case.

The suit was filed by the DSS in an attempt to continue detaining Mr. Emefiele on unspecified grounds. The Central Bank Governor had been taken into custody several days prior to the court hearing, causing concern and speculation in the nation.

During the court proceedings, the legal team representing Mr. Emefiele vehemently challenged the DSS's claims and demanded his immediate release. They argued that his detention without proper charges or due process was a violation of his fundamental human rights.