The embattled Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has filed a suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, challenging his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In an originating motion on notice, filed on Tuesday, the suspended governor is seeking for the enforcement of his right to liberty and freedom of movement, as there is no basis for his continuous detention, Channels Television reported.
In their objection to the suit, the Attorney General of the Federation and the DSS urged the court to dismiss Emefiele’s suit, insisting his detention is lawful and was backed by the order of a magistrates’ court.
They noted that the arrest of the former CBN governor was an administrative decision of the DSS.
On its part, the DSS is also challenging the motion for bail filed by Mr Emefiele while the AGF is also challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, as the originating motion filed by Mr. Emefiele ought to have sought that the court set aside the order for his detention rather than seek enforcement of rights.
The case has been adjourned till July 13 for ruling.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu on June 10, suspended Emefiele as the CBN governor. Shortly after the suspension, he was arrested by the DSS.
According to the FG, his suspension was “sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.”
Tinubu also appointed deputy governor, Mr Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi as the acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, in replacement for Emefiele.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
