In a recent turn of events, the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly taken an unconventional approach by securing an ex parte order from a court to extend the detention of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.
Read Also: Has DSS Found a Stockpile of Cash in Emefiele’s Home? New details emerge.
This move goes against the constitutional provision that limits detention without charge to a maximum of 48 hours.
The suspended governor, Emefiele, has already spent seven nights in detention without being formally charged before a court. The DSS’s decision to obtain the ex parte order is said to be motivated by a desire to dissuade Emefiele from pursuing legal action to protect his fundamental human rights.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a government source shed light on the matter, stating, “The DSS obtained an ex parte order from the court during the week to continue the detention of Emefiele beyond 48 hours so that his lawyers would not file a lawsuit claiming that his fundamental rights are being trampled upon. You know he’s not supposed to be detained beyond 48 hours, according to the Constitution.”
Pay attention to AIT Presenter, APC Disagree over Transmission of Results at Presidential Election Petition Tribunal
The source further revealed that a similar order was obtained on Thursday concerning the detention of Bawa. The DSS aims to utilise this additional time to conclude their interrogation and investigation into the allegations levelled against him.
In light of these developments, the spokesperson for the DSS, Peter Afunaya, declined to comment when approached for a response.
Sierra Leone vs Nigeria: Live Update, Time, where to watch AFCON
The situation surrounding the extended detention of Emefiele and Bawa raises concerns regarding the protection of individuals’ fundamental rights. As the public awaits further updates, legal experts and civil rights activists are likely to closely monitor the situation to ensure that due process is upheld and that the rights of Godwin Emefiele and Abdulrasheed Bawa are respected.
