The Department of State Services (DSS) has expressed its suspicions to the Federal Capital Territory High Court regarding the possibility of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, fleeing the country if granted bail prematurely.
THE EDITOR NIGERIA reports that the DSS presented credible intelligence suggesting that Emefiele is actively attempting to escape should he be released on bail.
Justice H. Muazu of the FCT High Court had previously ordered the DSS to allow Emefiele’s lawyers access to him, pending the resolution of the fundamental rights application filed by his legal team, represented by J.B. Daudu SAN.
On June 9, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele from his position as the CBN governor in order to facilitate an investigation into allegations levelled against him. As a result, the President directed CBN Deputy Governor of Operations, Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, to assume the role in an acting capacity.
During the recent court hearing, Emefiele’s legal team requested their client’s release from DSS custody while accusing the secret service of arresting him in a forceful manner and subjecting him to inhumane treatment. They argued that the former CBN governor’s arrest was politically motivated and linked to his monetary policies, including the redesign of the naira, which had received approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, in a counter affidavit presented by DSS counsel I. Awo, the agency denied these allegations, maintaining its apolitical stance and stating that it does not act in favour of any political group or individual. Awo further argued that Emefiele was arrested due to suspected breaches of trust and other offences.
According to Awo, “The applicant was arrested upon reasonable suspicion of committing acts which constitute criminal breach of trust, incitement to violence, criminal misappropriation of public funds, economic sabotage, economic crimes of national security dimensions, and undermining the security of Nigeria.” Awo also stated that a court order was obtained to allow the agency to keep Emefiele in custody for 14 days while investigations into his office were ongoing.
Awo refuted Emefiele’s claim of solitary confinement, asserting that he has been provided with unrestricted access to proper medical care, a suitable diet, his family, and individuals of his choice. The DSS also expressed concerns that if the court grants bail to the embattled governor, he could utilise his significant resources to hinder investigations against him and potentially jeopardise crucial evidence required for his prosecution.
In his counter-affidavit, deposed by Hamza Pandogari, Awo stated, “Granting the applicant’s application would not serve the interests of justice and national security.”
After hearing the arguments put forth by both legal teams, the court adjourned the case until July 13, when a ruling will be issued.
