DSS ordered to charge Emefiele to Court within one week. Justice Hamza Muazu of the Abuja High Court has issued an order to the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the detained suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
In a fundamental human rights suit filed by Emefiele against the DSS and others, the judge ruled that the DSS must either bring charges against Emefiele and take him to court or release him.
While acknowledging the DSS’s authority to arrest, detain, and prevent internal crimes, Justice Muazu emphasized that these actions must be conducted within the bounds of the law.
He stated that the DSS’s power of arrest should adhere to the specified conditions under which a Nigerian citizen can be held and for how long.
Emefiele, through his legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu, filed the lawsuit against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Director General of the DSS, and the DSS itself.
His aim was to secure the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, specifically the rights to freedom of movement and dignity of human life. Emefiele requested the court to declare his arrest and detention since June 10, without a valid court order, as null and void.
Furthermore, Emefiele sought compensation in the amount of N5 million as exemplary damages for the alleged unlawful detention he endured.