By John Ikani
Another Abuja High Court has overturned the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), following a previous court order for his release.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Bello Kawu in response to an Originating Motion on Notice filed by Emefiele against the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector General of Police, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Justice Kawu ruled that Emefiele’s arrest, detention, and interrogation violated the existing judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022.
The presiding judge further declared any warrant of arrest obtained by the respondents, particularly the DSS, as null and void.
In addition to setting aside the arrest warrant, the court ordered Emefiele’s immediate release from DSS custody.
The judgment brings relief to Emefiele, who has been unlawfully detained for over a month, and his counsel, Peter Abang, expressed the importance of celebrating Nigerian judges’ courage in delivering justice despite intimidation from security agencies and unfavourable working conditions.
Abang urged the DSS to comply promptly with the court’s orders and release his client. Emefiele’s health has reportedly suffered during his illegal and unjust detention, and it is crucial for him to receive the necessary medical attention.
