They have requested the court to dismiss the motion and impose costs. They assert that the DSS’s decision to arrest Emefiele was an administrative one.
By Johnson Atoukudu:
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, who has been suspended from his position, has taken legal action against the Department of State Services (DSS) by approaching the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. He is challenging his detention and seeking the enforcement of his right to liberty and freedom of movement. Emefiele argues that there is no valid reason for his continued detention. However, both the Attorney General of the Federation and the DSS maintain that his detention is lawful.
In response to Emefiele’s lawsuit, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS have filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the detention is supported by an order from a magistrates’ court. They have requested the court to dismiss the motion and impose costs. They assert that the DSS’s decision to arrest Emefiele was an administrative one.
The AGF is also contesting the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case, claiming that Emefiele should have sought to overturn the detention order instead of seeking the enforcement of his rights.
Additionally, the DSS is opposing Emefiele’s bail application.
The ruling on the case has been adjourned until July 13. On June 10, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele from his position as Governor of the Central Bank. Shortly after the suspension, the DSS announced that Emefiele was in their custody. The Federal Government explained that the suspension was necessary to facilitate an ongoing investigation of Emefiele’s office and planned reforms in the financial sector.
