The Federal Capital Territory High Court has rejected an application from the Department of State Services (DSS) seeking an “extended detention order” for the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele. This would have allowed the DSS to hold Emefiele for an additional 14 days.
Emefiele was apprehended by the DSS on June 10, shortly following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu. After over a month in custody, Emefiele was presented before the Federal High Court in Lagos where he faced two charges of illegal firearms possession.
Although the court granted him bail and ordered his remand at the Ikoyi Nigeria Correctional Service facility while bail terms were perfected, the DSS re-arrested him, leading to a confrontation with prison officials.
Following the re-arrest, the DSS requested an extended detention order from the FCT High Court, citing new evidence against Emefiele and the need for additional time to complete their investigation.
However, Justice Hamza Muazu declined the DSS’s request, labelling the suit an abuse of court procedures. The judge noted that his court did not have the jurisdiction to rule on the matter, stating that the responsibility of granting such an application lies with the magistrates’ court under Sections 293 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
After the judge raised questions concerning jurisdiction, Victor Ejelonu, the DSS’ counsel, withdrew the matter.
Leave a Reply