CBN GOV. EMEFIELE
Top StoryTrending Story

Release Emefiele or charge him to court within 7 days — FCT Court

381

The Department of State Services (DSS) has been given seven days to release the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, from detention or charge him to court, an Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama ruled on Thursday.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Hamza Muazu, the court said Emefiele’s continued detention without trial, amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.

Muazu held that the Nigerian Constitution was founded on the rule of law which, he said, pre-supposed that everything must be done according to the law.

“Detention, no matter how small can amount to a breach of fundamental rights,” the court held.

It said since allegations against the embattled suspended CBN Governor contained bailable offences, the DSS ought to grant him administrative bail, pending his prosecution.

The court, however, said there was evidence before it to show that there was an order from an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court that permitted the security agency to detain Emefiele for a period of 14 days to enable it to conclude its investigations.

It held that Emefiele did not establish that his arrest, detention and investigation was unlawful since it was based on a valid court order.

Describing the DSS as a reputable institution mandated to guarantee internal security of the country, Muazu, said it must conduct its operations with strict adherence to the provisions of the Constitution.

“Though I am in sympathy with the Applicant (Emefiele), but my sentiment will not go far to deliver judgment by granting all the reliefs sought by the Applicant.

“The Applicant has not shown that his arrest, detention and investigation were unlawful.

“However, I am concerned that the application is not without merit. The Applicant is entitled to fair hearing.

“At this point, the continued detention of the Applicant cannot be justified in the absence of any charge against him.

“At the very least, justice demands that Applicant should be released on administrative bail.

“Consequently, I hereby male an order, directing the Respondents to within one week, charge the Applicant to court or release him on administrative bail,” the judge said.

Persecondnews reports that the judgment followed a fundamental rights enforcement suit that Emefiele filed through his team of lawyers led by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN).

Emefiele, who has been in detention since June 9, had in his suit accused the DSS of violating his constitutional rights to liberty, freedom of movement and fair hearing.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Pres. Tinubu announces shake up headships, councils of federal universities

President Bola Tinubu has announced changes in the leadership positions of some...

N4.52trn Budget increase: Tinubu Unveils Allocation Details

President Bola Tinubu has revealed the allocation details of the N4.52 trillion...

Breaking: Bandits abduct ex-NYSC DG, retired Brig.-Gen Tsiga, others in Katsina

Bandits have reportedly kidnapped the former Director General of the National Youth...

Tinubu Mourns Loss of 17 Young Lives in Zamfara Islamic School Fire Tragedy

President Bola Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to the families and...

Tinubu Approves 65 Years Retirement Age for Doctors, Healthcare Workers

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new retirement age for doctors and...

Just in: Tinubu asks NASS to increase 2025 budget from N49trn to N54trn

President Bola Tinubu has requested the National Assembly to raise the proposed...

Tinubu Signs Bill Establishing North-Central Development Commission

President Bola Tinubu has signed a bill establishing the NorthCentral Development Commission...

Tinubu Signs Bill Establishing Environment and Technology University, Ogoni, Rivers

President Bola Tinubu has made history by signing into law the bill...

Tems Wins Grammy Award, Edges Out Yemi Alade, Asake, Others

International music sensation Tems added another feather to her cap at the...

Deadly Head-On Collision: 30 Killed as Two Buses Crash, Catch Fire on Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway

A tragic road accident occurred on Saturday evening on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode...

FCT Police rescue woman from fleeing suspected robber, ritualist, manhunt launched

The Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Police Command says it has successfully rescued a...

NNPC Ltd Leads Nigeria’s Gas Revolution with 97mmscf/d Mini-LNG Plants

Boosting Energy Access, Industrialization, and Carbon Emission Reduction

Nigeria to Receive $1.2bln from World Bank to Support Girls’ Education Initiative

The World Bank has made a significant commitment to supporting girls’ education...

Just In: 6 Feared Dead After Medical Plane Crashes Near Philadelphia Mall

A small medical plane carrying six people crashed near a shopping center...

Just in: Electoral Commission Boss Abducted 

Prof. George Chima, the Chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission,...

Breaking: Millions of Naira Goods Lost as Fire Rips Through Mpape New Market in Abuja

A massive fire swept through the Mpape New Market in Abuja on...

Just in: Tragedy Strikes in Lagos: Drunk Driver Crashes into Jogging Soldiers, Killing 4

A horrific incident occurred in Lagos on Friday when a vehicle, allegedly...

Former Nigerian Head of State Abubakar Rules Out Military Return to Power

A former Military Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has bid...

NNPC Ltd, Partners Launch 97mmscf/d Capacity Five Mini-LNG Plants in Ajaokuta

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and its partners have...

Pres. Tinubu Committed to Providing Cheap Fuel for Nigerians – NNPCL GCEO, Kyari

Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National...