CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele
Court voids arrest, detention of Emefiele, orders immediate release
Another Abuja High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the arrest and detention of the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a judgment upon an Originating Motion on Notice brought before the Court by Mr Emefiele against Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, the Attorney General of the Federation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Inspector General of Police, State Security Service and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the presiding Judge held that the arrest, detention, and interrogation being in violation of the subsisting judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022.
Emefiele, through his Counsel, Mr Peter Abang, had asked the court to set aside, quash, invalidate, and nullify the arrest and detention of the Applicant for being illegal and a nullity in view of the subsisting judgment of Justice M A Hassan delivered on 29th December 2022.
Delivering judgement, Justice Bello Kawu held that the arrest, detention and interrogation of Emefiele, is in violation of the subsisting judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan.
Justice Kawu also made an order setting aside any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the Respondents, especially the DSS for the arrest of Emefiele in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, threat to national security before any court.
The court further granted an injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the DSS from arresting, detaining, or interfering with Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.
The court finally granted an order of injunction directing and mandating the respondents, particularly the DSS to forthwith release and Emefiele from any arrest or detention.
