DSS ordered to Grant Emefiele Immediate Legal and Family Access

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting at Maitama Abuja has issued an order directing the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately allow the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, unhindered access to his legal counsel and family members.

VAM reports that the DSS took Emefiele into custody on Saturday, shortly after President Bola Tinubu suspended him on Friday evening.

Justice Hamza Muazu presided over the court proceedings and granted the order upon the application made by Emefiele’s legal representative, J.B. Daudu SAN.

Daudu had informed the court that he had previously written to the DSS, specifically on June 14, seeking further instructions, but the agency had disregarded the request.

In response, counsel representing the second and third respondents, I. Awo assured the court that the DSS typically did not deny such requests, deeming their refusal inappropriate. Awo expressed confidence that the security service would comply with the court order and allow Emefiele’s listed lawyers and family members to visit him. The counsel representing the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation did not oppose the application.

Meanwhile, the counsel representing the DSS, as well as the Office of the AGF, requested an extension of time to file their respective responses to the originating motion.

The court granted their request, adjourning the hearing of the substantive suit to Tuesday, June 19.