Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has ordered the Department of the State Security Service, DSS, to either release or charge to court the detained suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Delivering the ruling in a fundamental human rights suit instituted against the DSS and others agencies by Emefiele, Justice Muazu issued a one week ultimatum to comply with his order.
The judge said Emefiele hasn’t shown that his arrest and investigation is unlawful, but noted that it is within his right to get fair hearing.
Emefiele can’t remain in detention without formal charge
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.
