The Federal Capital Territory High Court set July 13 for a judgement on the enforcement of a basic rights action filed by Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
After hearing statements from the parties in the case, Justice Hamza Muazu set the date.
The Attorney General of the Federation, the Director General of the State Security Service, and the State Security Service are listed as the first through third respondents in the claim.
During the hearings, Tijjani Ghazali SAN, counsel for the AGF, informed the court that the first respondent is disputing the court’s authority to hear the case filed before it by the applicant.
He stated that Emefiele’s arrest and detention by the DSS is an administrative decision of an executive branch, and that jurisdiction is decided by the relief sought by an application.
Furthermore, he argued that the claim of unlawful imprisonment is false because the controversial CBN chairman is being held on the order of an FCT Chief Magistrate Court.
As a result, he asked the court to dismiss the application.
The second and third respondents, represented by attorney I. Awo, informed the court that an order to detain the applicant was still in effect and urged the court to dismiss the motion with costs.
However, Emefiele’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, contended that the charges against Emefiele constitute state offenses that could be heard by the FCT High Court.
He maintained that, contrary to the respondents’ preliminary objection to the originating summons on notice, the court has jurisdiction to hear the case.
Earlier on June 16, the court ordered Yusuf Bichi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, to allow the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, access to his attorneys and family.
Emefiele was arrested by the DSS on Saturday, just hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended him.
The order was issued by Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court on Friday, notwithstanding the fact that Emefiele’s access is a constitutional right.
The enrolled order, dated June 16, 2023, said that “the lawyers of the applicant shall have immediate access to the applicant.” And on a frequent basis, while the application is being considered.”
He stated in his submission
The court will rule on Emefiele’s right enforcement on July 13.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court set July 13 for a judgement on the enforcement of a basic rights action filed by Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
After hearing statements from the parties in the case, Justice Hamza Muazu set the date.
The Attorney General of the Federation, the Director General of the State Security Service, and the State Security Service are listed as the first through third respondents in the claim.
