The suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, is awaiting the ruling of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on his fundamental human rights suit against the Department of State Services. Emefiele was arrested and detained by the DSS on June 10, shortly after being suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu, who ordered a probe of the CBN.
Emefiele’s Allegations of Human Rights Violation
The suit, filed through his lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), alleges a violation of Emefiele’s human rights. The Attorney General of the Federation, the Director General of the DSS, and the DSS are joined as respondents in the suit.
Preliminary Objections Filed by Respondents
The respondents have filed preliminary objections, challenging the court’s jurisdiction and urging that the suit be dismissed. At the June 20 proceeding, the DSS argued that Emefiele’s detention was lawful as they had obtained an order from an FCT Chief Magistrates’ Court to keep him in custody pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Disagreement Among Lawyers
Emefiele’s lawyer, Daudu, disagreed with the respondents’ objections, insisting that the suit had merit. Counsel for the AGF, Tijjani Ghazali (SAN), argued that Emefiele’s arrest and detention by the DSS was an administrative decision of the executive arm of government and urged the court not to interfere.
As a tech writer and reviewer, it’s important to note that Emefiele’s suspension and subsequent arrest have raised concerns about the independence of Nigeria’s central bank. The court’s ruling could have significant implications for the country’s economy. The case highlights the importance of respecting the rule of law and protecting individuals’ human rights, even in cases involving high-ranking government officials.