Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has filed an application before a federal high court in Lagos, seeking to halt the federal government’s prosecution against him. The Department of State Services (DSS) had initiated proceedings against Emefiele for alleged “illegal possession of a firearm.”

Emefiele is also requesting the court to absolve him of all charges brought against him. He alleges that the federal government’s actions are a direct violation of court orders granting him bail on July 25. Emefiele’s legal representation, led by counsel Joseph Daudu, submitted the application on Tuesday.

The application aims to safeguard the “efficacy, majesty, and integrity of the court,” while upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Emefiele’s incarceration has attracted significant attention since his arrest in June.

During his arraignment on July 25, a federal high court in Ikoyi granted him bail on the condition of N20 million. However, the DSS persisted in detaining Emefiele against the court’s directive, resulting in a conflict between the secret police and prison authorities.

In an attempt to prolong Emefiele’s custody, the DSS sought a high court’s permission to extend his detention, but the application was withdrawn over jurisdictional issues.

Further complicating matters, the federal government sought leave to appeal against the bail order and requested Emefiele’s remand in DSS custody rather than with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

A hearing for the federal government’s application has been scheduled for Thursday before Judge Nicholas Oweibo. Emefiele’s case continues to draw attention due to its complex legal entanglements and its implications for the intersection of law and governance in Nigeria.