The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to pay the sum of N100 million in favor of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), citing a violation of his right to personal liberty.
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, presiding over the case, declared Emefiele’s prolonged detention without trial as a clear infringement of his fundamental rights.
The court further issued a restraining order against the Federal Government and its agents, preventing them from re-arresting or detaining Emefiele without a court order.
This judgment stems from a fundamental human rights suit filed by the former CBN governor, who sought not only financial compensation but also sought to prevent any future arrests or detentions without proper legal procedures.
Emefiele had asked the court to order the respondents to pay the sum of N1 billion damages and to restrain them from further arresting and or detaining him.
Emefiele’s legal battle began following his arrest on June 10, 2023, shortly after his suspension by Bola Tinubu.
The former CBN governor asserted that his detention by the Department of State Services was unjust, prompting him to approach the court seeking justice.