A Federal High Court in Abuja has given the Department of the State Security Service (DSS) a one-week deadline to either bring charges against or release Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Emefiele had filed a fundamental human rights lawsuit against the DSS and other parties, and the judge issued this ultimatum during the ruling on the case.
In his ruling, Justice Hamza Muazu acknowledged that Emefiele hadn't proven the illegality of his arrest and investigation, he emphasized the importance of granting him a fair hearing.
Furthermore, Justice Muazu asserted that the DSS cannot continue to detain the suspended CBN governor without formally charging him.
He also stated that the DSS cannot exploit Emefiele's detention period to search for evidence against him. While recognizing the constitutional authority of the DSS to make arrests, detain individuals, and prevent internal crimes, Justice Muazu emphasized that these duties must be executed within the boundaries of the law.
Emefiele's lawsuit targeted the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Director General of the DSS, seeking the protection of his fundamental human rights, including freedom of movement and the preservation of his dignity.
In his legal action, the suspended CBN Governor requested that the court invalidate and overturn his arrest and detention, which had taken place without a valid court order since June 10.
Emefiele also demanded N5 million as exemplary damages for his alleged unlawful confinement. On June 9, he was suspended from his position as CBN governor and subsequently apprehended on June 10 at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, during the early hours of the morning.
Following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu, the DSS took him into custody, where he has remained detained ever since.
