Court nullifies Emefiele’s arrest, detention, orders immediate release

A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Friday nullified the arrest and detention of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The presiding Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Bello Kawu, in his his judgement, declared that the arrest, detention and interrogation of Emefiele, is in violation of the subsisting judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan.
Justice Kawu also made an order setting aside any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the Respondents, especially the DSS for the arrest of Emefiele in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, threat to national security before any court.

The court further granted an injunction restraining the Respondents, particularly the DSS from arresting, detaining, or interfering with Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.

The Court, therefore, granted an order of injunction directing and mandating the Respondents, particularly the DSS, to forthwith release Emefiele and refrain from any arrest or detention.