Justice Hamza Muazu of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), to, immediately grant the lawyers and family members of the detained suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele unhindered access to him.
The order was sequel to an exparte application brought on behalf of Emefiele and argued orally by his lawyer, Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN).
Emefiele was arrested by the DSS on Saturday, hours after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu. The DSS took Emefiele into custody after several hours of siege at his Lagos residence.
He was immediately brought to Abuja where he has been since.
President Tinubu, had suspended Emefiele over what was described as weighty allegations against him.
The motion for Emefiele’s lawyers and family to access him, marked No. FCT/HC/CV/6450/23, has the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Director General, Department of State Services as respondents.
“The lawyers of the applicant shall have access to the applicant immediately, and regularly at reasonable time, pending the determination of the application,” part of the enrolled order dated June 16, read.
Justice Muazu emphasised that access is a constitutional right of Emefiele.
The senior lawyer, during his oral submission, told the court that he has written letters to the respondents, particularly on June 14, 2023, for the purpose of taking further instruction from him, but the DSS has refused to respond to the application.
Responding, counsel to the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, Mr I. Awo, informed the court that the DSS does not have the penchant for refusing such a request and that it is wrong to do so.
Awo assured that he was certain the Security Service would abide by the order of Court and grant access to the listed lawyers and family members of Mr. Emefiele to see him, while counsel to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation did not oppose the application.
Meanwhile, counsel to the DSS, as well as the AGF requested for extension of time to file their respective responses to the originating motion, which was granted and the suit was further adjourned till Tuesday June 20, 2023 for hearing of the substantive suit.
Alex Enumah
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