Somto BisinaThe Department of State Services (DSS) has raised concerns that the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, may attempt to flee the country if granted bail.
These assertions were made by the DSS and supported by the Attorney General of the Federation during a hearing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Emefiele is currently challenging his detention by the DSS, which has denied him access to his family members and legal representation.
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Emefiele’s suspension by President Bola Tinubu on June 10, 2023, led to his subsequent detention by the DSS. The resumption of the hearing on his case brought forward counter-affidavits from both the DSS and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF).
The OAGF dismissed speculations that Emefiele’s arrest was related to terrorism financing or fraudulent activities. It emphasized that the suspended CBN governor’s detention was not motivated by his involvement in politics or the controversial naira redesign policy.
The OAGF stated that Emefiele’s right to live had not been violated, and his life was not in danger. Furthermore, it argued that the allegations of denial of a fair hearing lacked merit as the applicant had not undergone judicial adjudication.
On the other hand, the DSS maintained that Emefiele was being held in accordance with a court order. The DSS cited reasonable suspicion of criminal offenses, including breach of trust, incitement to violence, misappropriation of public funds, economic sabotage, economic crimes with national security implications, and undermining the security of Nigeria.
During the hearing, Tijani Gazal, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the OAGF, urged the court to dismiss the suit, claiming that Emefiele’s allegations of unlawful detention were baseless.
Gazal argued that the arrest and detention of the suspended CBN governor were administrative decisions within the executive arm of the government. He contended that the court’s jurisdiction should be determined by the relief sought by the applicant.
After considering the arguments presented by all parties, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until July 13 for a ruling.
The legal battle surrounding the suspension and detention of Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, continues to unfold. As the court evaluates the allegations made by both the DSS and the OAGF, it must carefully consider the rights of the accused while balancing national security concerns.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the Nigerian financial landscape and the reputation of the individuals involved.
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