Court gives verdict on DSS’ move to arrest CBN Governor Emefiele
According to a report by TheCable, the Department of State Services (DSS) was denied permission to arrest and detain Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja (CBN).
Justice JT Tsoho, the chief judge, denied the ex parte request made by an applicant in the respondent’s absence on the grounds that the secret police had failed to present sufficient proof to support its assertions that Emefiele had engaged in the financing of terrorism and other economic crimes.
According to sources at the high court, TheCable cited the judge as saying that if there was any proof to support the charges, he should have been brought into confidence.
The court ruled that due to the serious economic repercussions that would result from the arrest and detention of the CBN governor, such a request should have been backed by presidential permission.
There are claims that the attempt to have Emefiele arrested may have political motivations given the potential effects that the naira’s redesign and cash withdrawal restrictions may have on vote-buying in the elections of 2023.
A number of civil society organizations alerted the public about a scheme to accuse Emefiele of terrorism and force him out of office earlier on Monday.
Nigerians have been cautioned by the DSS not to “undermine” its investigations.DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya said in a statement that the agency will not be sidetracked by anyone looking to use “propaganda” to obstruct its legitimate investigations.