The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ruled against the Department of State Services (DSS) in its attempt to summon, interrogate, and charge the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The ruling, made by Judge M.A. Hassan, came in response to an Originating Motion brought before the court by the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership to defend Emefiele's fundamental rights.
The DSS had been accused of intending to impinge upon Emefiele's rights with its actions. The court also ordered the DSS to refrain from further harassing, threatening, or detaining Emefiele over accusations of terrorism financing and fraudulent practices.
In reference to a previous ruling by Chief Judge J.T. Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2255/2022, the court condemned the DSS's actions as vindictive and a violation of Emefiele's right to freedom of movement.
The court stated that the DSS had acted unlawfully and wrongly in instigating the President of Nigeria against Emefiele in regards to the performance of his duties as CBN Governor, including the issuance of monetary policies and directives for the benefit of national security and the economy.
The ruling emphasized the importance of the Constitution of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights in protecting the rights of individuals like Emefiele. It is a victory for Emefiele and a reminder of the power of the judicial system in defending the fundamental rights of citizens against wrongful actions by government agencies.
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