Department of State Service, DSS, has been ordered by a Federal High Court, Abuja, to charge suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele to court.
DSS also has seven days to charge Emefiele to court or release him.
Trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, granted the order, following a fundamental rights enforcement suit by Emefiele.
The court noted that since allegations against Emefiele contained bailable offences, the DSS ought to grant him administrative bail, pending his prosecution.
His counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, filed and agued the suit.
Justice Muazu in his judgement, noted that “Detention, no matter how small can amount to a breach of fundamental rights.’
The judge said: “Though I am in sympathy with the applicant (Emefiele), but my sentiment will not go far to deliver judgment 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.
