Court orders DSS to charge or release Emefiele within 7 days

A judge has ordered the Department of State Services, DSS to charge or release the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele within seven days.

According to Justice Hamza Muazu, who delivered the judgement said the continuous detention without trial is a gross violation of his human rights.

It was also stated that since the allegations against Emefiele contains bailable offences, the DSS ought to grant him administrative bail.

"Detention, no matter how small can amount to a breach of fundamental rights,” the judge ruled.

Justice Muazu also said the DSS must conduct its operations with strict adherence to provisions of the Constitution.

“Though I am in sympathy with the Applicant (Emefiele), but my sentiment will not go far to deliver judgement by granting all the reliefs sought by the Applicant.

“The Applicant has not shown that his arrest, detention and investigation were unlawful.

“However, I am concerned that the application is not without merit. The Applicant is entitled to fair hearing.

“At this point, the continued detention of the Applicant cannot be justified in the absence of any charge against him.

“At the very least, justice demands that Applicant should be released on administrative bail.

“Consequently, I hereby male an order, directing the Respondents to within one week, charge the Applicant to court or release him on administrative bail,” the court held.

Godwin Emefiele, has been in detention since June 9, following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.