On Friday, June 16, 2023, Honourable Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, issued a directive to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the DSS itself. The order states that they must grant immediate and unrestricted access to lawyers and family members of Mr Godwin Emefiele, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, emphasizing that such access is a constitutional right.
The court’s decision came after an application made by Mr Emefiele’s counsel, J.B. Daudu SAN. Daudu informed the court that he had written letters to the DSS on June 14, 2023, seeking further instructions from his client. However, the DSS had failed to respond to the application.
During the proceedings, counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents, I. Awo, Esq, asserted that the DSS lacks the authority to refuse such a request and that it would be inappropriate to do so. He expressed confidence that the Security Service would comply with the court order and grant access to the specified lawyers and family members of Mr Emefiele. The counsel representing the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation did not oppose the application.
In a separate development, both the counsel representing the DSS and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation requested an extension of time to file their respective responses to the Originating Motion. The court granted the request for an extension.
This court order signifies a significant step towards upholding the rights of Mr Godwin Emefiele, ensuring that he has adequate legal representation and support from his family during any legal proceedings. The case continues to unfold as the DSS and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation prepare their responses within the extended timeframe granted by the court.
