13th July, 2023
The Department of Security Services (DSS) has charged the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to court Godwin Emefiele.
DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya confirmed that the decision to charge Emefiele was in compliance with the order of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Afunanya, in a statement said “sequel to an Abuja High Court Order of today, 13th July, 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele has been charged to Court in compliance with the Order.
“The public may recall that the Service had, in 2022, applied for a Court Order to detain him in respect of a criminal investigation.
“Though he obtained a restraining Order from an FCT High Court, the Service, however, arrested him in June, 2023, on the strength of suspected fresh criminal infractions/information, one of which forms the basis for his current prosecution.
“The Service assures the public of professionalism, justice and fairness in handling this matter and indeed the discharge of its duties within the confines of the law.”
The Federal Capital Territory High Court had earlier today issued a one week ultimatum to the Department of the State Security Service (DSS) over the arrest and detention of Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu, in his ruling on Thursday, ordered that the DSS must either charge the detained suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or set him free.
Justice Muazu further stated that the suspended CBN governor can’t remain in detention without a formal charge, adding also that the DSS can’t use the period of Emefiele’s detention to search for evidence against him.
Justice Muazu held that the DSS has power to carry out its constitutional duties of making arrest, detain and ensuring prevention of internal crime but however said that such duties must be carried out within the law.
Emefiele had sued the Attorney General of the Federation AGF, Director General of the DSS, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights to freedom of movement and dignity to human life.