Court rejects SSS application to extend Emefiele’s detention

A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed an application by the State Security Services (SSS) to extend the detention of suspended central bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, by 14 days.

The SSS claimed it had new evidence against Mr Emefiele.

Justice Hamza Muazu deemed the application an abuse of the court process and said the court lacked jurisdiction to rule on the matter.

The application for extended detention followed Mr Emefiele’s re-arrest by the SSS right after a federal court in Lagos ordered his remand in a correctional centre until he fulfilled the conditions of his bail, set at N20 million.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday when officials from the SSS and the Prisons clashed over the custody of Mr Emefiele following court proceedings. The incident raised concerns about the handling of the case and has drawn strong criticisms from the public.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), an umbrella association for lawyers, described the clash as “despicable” and called on the two agencies to take immediate disciplinary measures against the officers involved in the “disgraceful conduct”.

The SSS said its operatives showed “overzealousness” and promised internal investigation.

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Mr Emefiele, 61, is charged with illegal possession of a shotgun and ammunition. He denies the charges.

The court has scheduled Mr Emefiele’s trial to commence on November 14.