A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued restraining orders against the State Security Service (SSS) and its agents, preventing them from arresting the siblings of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The orders were issued by Justice E. Okpe, the vacation judge of the court, in response to ex-parte motions filed separately by George Emefiele and Okanta Emefiele.
Justice Okpe ruled that the restraining orders will remain in effect until the determination of the fundamental rights enforcement suits filed by George and Okanta Emefiele. These suits, marked as FCT/HC/CV/7050/2023 and FCT/HC/CV/7051/2023, respectively, are scheduled for substantive hearings on August 23, following the initial rulings on August 4.
In one of the rulings, Justice Okpe stated, “An order of interim injunction, restraining the 1st respondent, whether by themselves, their officers, agents, servants, privies, or acting through any person or persons, from threatening, harassing, intimidating, inviting, and arresting the applicant or interfering with his rights to life, freedom of movement, personal liberty, and human dignity until the determination of the substantive suit.”
While the SSS has yet to respond to the substantive suits, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) presented a counter affidavit, denying the claims made by the applicants. The AGF refuted any knowledge of a plot to arrest the applicants and argued that both suits lack merit. The AGF also contested Okanta Emefiele’s claim of being a relative of Godwin Emefiele, citing a lack of evidence supporting the alleged relationship.
Both George and Okanta Emefiele have expressed concern over potential violations of their fundamental human rights due to their association with their brother, who is under investigation by the SSS. They have requested the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining the SSS from inviting, intimidating, harassing, arresting, or detaining them in relation to matters involving the investigation of their brother.
The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the intricate balance between individual rights and the powers of law enforcement agencies. As the case unfolds, it could set a precedent for similar situations in the future
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