Controversy surrounds the detention of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as he questions the justification behind his prolonged incarceration. Following his suspension by the President amid the need for investigations into the nation’s monetary policies, Emefiele’s actions were blamed for the cash scarcity and subsequent hardships experienced by Nigerians.
After his suspension, Emefiele was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and has remained in detention since then. Seeking recourse, he has now approached the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to contest his continued confinement, citing the infringement of his rights to liberty and freedom of movement.
In response, the Attorney General of the Federation and the DSS have maintained that the detention of the suspended CBN Governor is lawful. They argue that the arrest was an administrative decision by the DSS, supported by an order from a magistrates’ court. They further request that the court dismiss Emefiele’s motion and impose costs.
Additionally, the Attorney General challenges the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, stating that Emefiele’s originating motion should have sought the setting aside of the detention order instead of seeking the enforcement of his rights. The DSS is also contesting Emefiele’s motion for bail.The case is scheduled for ruling on July 13.
Consequently, questions arise regarding the motives behind Emefiele’s detention. Speculation abounds that the policy implemented by Emefiele was intended to thwart vote buying by the All Progressives Congress during the February 25th elections. Some argue that his detention is part of an exertion of power, especially since the candidate of the All Progressives Congress emerged as the winner.
Critics have suggested that if fairness is to be pursued, former President Buhari, who approved the policy, should also face arrest rather than burdening the CBN Governor alone. Hence, the question arises: Is Emefiele’s Detention impartial in nature?
