Chidera Abaratu, PBA Journalism Mentee
By Chidera Abaratu, Journalism Mentee
The High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday ordered the Department of State Service (DSS) to charge the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele within a week or release him from custody.
The order follows Emefiele’s term of incarceration and suspension, during which time his situation drew much interest and rumours. With the issuance of this court order, the DSS is now under a clear deadline and expected to either charge Emefiele formally or free him.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe troubled Central Bank of Nigeria governor sued the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Department of State Services, DSS, alleging that the organisations were engaged in a political witch hunt against him because of his “people-oriented financial policies, which several political actors are not comfortable with and are now looking for any means to scandalise and smear his image and reputation.”
Through a fundamental rights application submitted on his behalf by his primary attorney, J.B. Daudu SAN, Emefiele requested his release from the DSS facility.
The court’s order shows the need for a speedy settlement in this case even if specifics about the accusations or the events preceding Emefiele’s suspension have not yet been made public. It stresses the importance of fairness in the legal system and allows detainees access to their legal rights.
