• Says: “If DSS believes the evidence available to it so far is sufficient, then it can as well arrest and detain the respondent even without order of the court.”

SHARE THIS

–Pix(above): Godwin Emefiele, CBN Gov

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected the application for the arrest of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations bordering on terrorism financing and economic crimes. The suit with reference number FHC/Abj/CS/2255/2022, had DSS as the applicant.

Justice J.T Tsoho gave the ruling declining the application for the governor’s arrest on December 9, 2022.

The State Online reports that the media is currently abuzz with plot by the DSS to seek court’s leave to arrest Emefiele by “secretly” filing a suit on December 7, 2022.

But the judge, in declining to grant the motion ex parte, argued that if the applicant believes that the evidence available to it so far is sufficient, then it can as well arrest and detain the respondent even without the order of the court.

 “If, however, the applicant desires to still pursue this application, then it should place the respondent on notice considering the sensitive public office that he occupies.”

A coalition of human rights organizations, Arewa Youth Consultative Movement and public interest lawyers, operating under the aegis of Coalition of National Interest Defenders, had, on Monday, expressed concern over plot by the Department of State Service to remove the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, for alleged terrorism financing and financial crimes.

They claimed the plan to sack the CBN governor was an underground plot of disgruntled politicians who were not comfortable with the economic reform policy of the apex bank, especially the redesigning of the Naira.

But, reacting on Monday, the DSS boldly came out in support of its stand, saying it “would not join issues with those protesting the suit filed against the CBN governor, noting they are on a wild goose chase.”

DSS spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, said “the agency remains focused and unbiased and would not succumb to propaganda, intimidation and the desperation of hirelings to undermine it.”

Afunanya said: “While professionally discharging its mandate, the DSS pledges it will not give room to the use of falsehood and deceit to misdirect public understanding and perceptions of issues of national importance.

“The service warns those on a wild goose chase to be mindful of their actions.

“It further urges members of the public to disregard the vituperations and rantings of misguided elements and not allow themselves to be used as instruments of destabilization.”

…Reps also in CBN Gov’s pursuit

The Department of State Services is not the only agency presently on the heels of the CBN Governor. The House of Representatives of the National Assembly is also on his hot pursuit.

Just today, Tuesday, December 20, the CBN Governor, again, failed to appear before the House of Representatives to brief the lawmakers on the new cash withdrawal limit.

He was initially billed to appear before the House on December 15, but failed to show up, citing official engagement outside the country with the President./SHARE THIS

• Tags: Godwin Emefiele, DSS, House of Reps