Abuja court bars FG, others from re-arresting, detaining Emefiele, awards N100m damages

An FCT High Court sitting in Abuja presided over by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi has declared the arrest and detention of former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, as illegal and a clear violation of his human right.

In a judgement delivered on Monday, January 8, 2024, Justice Adeniyi also restrained the Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) from further re-arresting or detaining the former CBN governor without express order from a High Court.

The Court, in its judgement, also awarded N100m against the DSS, EFCC, and AGF for violation of the rights of Emefiele while barring them from further interruption of his quiet enjoyment of his human rights.

Reacting to the judgement, July Chukwu, a well-known human rights activist and acting mobilisation officer of Ohanaeze Youth Movement, described the ruling as victory for democracy and justice well-deserved.

She described the ordeals of the former CBN governor as a clear case of political witch-hunt and persecution to smear a man who served his country meritorious.

The activist called on the Nigerian government to obey the rule of law and warn the EFCC to stop smearing Emefiele’s name, including the special investigators probing the activities of the CBN.