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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
In less than 24 hours, another court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has nullified the arrest, detention and interrogation of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The action of the Apo division of the FCT High Court was sequel to 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.
Justice Bello Kawu 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 had through his Counsel, Mr. Peter Abang 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 December 29, 2022.
Justice Kawu, also made an order setting aside, voiding, quashing, invalidating and nullifying any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the Respondents, especially the DSS for the arrest, detention and/or interrogation of Mr. Emefiele in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan.
The court further granted an injunction restraining the Respondents, particularly the DSS from arresting, detaining, further detaining or proceeding against, breaching or interfering with Mr. Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement or taking any other steps against him in connection with any allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan.
The court finally granted an order of injunction directing and mandating the respondents, particularly the DSS to forthwith release and unfetter Mr Emefiele from any arrest, detention, custody, interrogation with regard to allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court in view of the subsisting judgment of Justice M. A Hassan.
In his reaction to the judgment, counsel to Mr Emefiele told newsmen that beyond the release of his client, that Nigerians must celebrate the fact that Nigerian judges despite several acts of intimidation by security agencies and the some unfavourable conditions under which they work are bold to dispense justice not minding whose ox is gored.
He called on the DSS to immediate comply with the orders of the court and release his client so that he can go and look after his failing health aggravated by over one month of illegal and unlawful arrest and detention.
This judgment is the third favourable judgment the former CBN helmsman is getting against the DSS yet he has remained in unlawful detention for over a month.
