Court Rules Against DSS Suit Attempts to Keep Emefiele Detained

The DSS’s legal team quietly filed this application on Wednesday, and it was heard by the vacation judge today.

Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has denied a motion by the Department of State Services (DSS) for a 14-day extension of custody for suspended Central Bank Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

The DSS based its application on alleged fresh evidence.

The DSS’s legal team quietly filed the application on Wednesday, and it was heard by the vacation judge today.

Justice Muazu denied the application, characterising it as a misuse of the judicial system and pointing out the lack of jurisdiction.

The DSS’s attorney, Mr. Victor Ejelonu, chose to withdraw the matter after being questioned by the judge concerning the court’s jurisdiction, given the Magistrate Court’s exclusive rights to grant detention orders under Sections 293 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Mr. Emefiele was re-arrested by the DSS from the Federal High Court premises in Lagos, following his confinement in a Correctional Centre while awaiting the completion of his bail conditions granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo.