Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has cautioned the Department of State Services (DSS) against mishandling the ongoing investigation of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
Falana stated that the DSS does not have the authority to investigate and prosecute Emefiele for allegations of money laundering and other economic crimes. He recommended that after the DSS concludes its investigation into Emefiele’s alleged involvement in terrorism financing, he should be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation into the money laundering allegations. Falana expressed concern that if the DSS continues with the case, the investigation might be compromised.
In his statement, Falana referred to a previous case involving former Senate President Bukola Saraki, where the Supreme Court ruled that the EFCC did not have the jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Saraki for violating provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. Falana argued that based on the principle established in Saraki’s case, the DSS lacks the authority to investigate and prosecute Emefiele for allegations of money laundering and other economic crimes.
Meanwhile, Ignatius Chukwu, a financial expert in Rivers State, commented on Emefiele’s arrest, stating that it was not surprising considering the serious allegations against him and his tenure. Chukwu criticized Emefiele for attempting to contest a political office, which, he believes, led to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) being cautious about using the CBN to distribute sensitive materials.
Chukwu also warned against the replacement of Emefiele with a candidate from the Yoruba ethnic group, as it could be interpreted as an ethnic issue by some individuals. He advised that the selection process for a new CBN governor should be transparent and strictly adhere to the rule of law.
