In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order demanding that the Department of State Services (DSS) and its Director General immediately allow the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to have unrestricted access to his legal team and family members.
The order was issued by Justice Hamza Muazu on Friday in response to an application filed by J.B. Daudu, Emefiele’s counsel. The application sought to address the denial of access to legal representation and family visits that Emefiele had been facing since his arrest by the DSS on Saturday. This arrest came shortly after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu on Friday evening.
During the court proceedings, Emefiele’s legal representative informed the court that they had previously sent letters to the DSS, specifically on June 14, requesting permission to confer with their client and receive further instructions. Regrettably, the DSS failed to respond to these requests.
Justice Muazu, in delivering his ruling, emphasized that it is well within Emefiele’s constitutional rights to have unimpeded access to his legal team and family members. The court’s directive seeks to ensure that these rights are upheld and that Emefiele’s ability to communicate with his lawyers and loved ones is not unjustly curtailed.
The court’s decision reflects the importance of upholding the principles of justice, fair treatment, and due process. Access to legal representation is a fundamental right, and denying an individual this right can hinder their ability to adequately prepare their defense and exercise their legal entitlements. Similarly, maintaining contact with family members is crucial for emotional support during challenging times.
As the case unfolds, the court’s order serves as a reminder that the rule of law should prevail, guaranteeing the protection of individual rights and ensuring that legal processes are carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
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