Some lawyers, under the aegis of Lawyers in Defence of Human and Economic Rights, have said that judgment of an Abuja High Court that barred the Department of State Service (DSS) from inviting, arresting and detaining the Cental Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over fabricated allegations of terrorism funding, will further deepen the fundamental human rights principle of the country.
The lawyers, who lauded the judgment said there is hope for Nigeria, its democracy and the justice sector.
The lawyers, in a statement by their Deputy coordinator, Bar. Agu Okwukwe, expressed the conviction that the decision of the court will deepen the nation’s fundamental human rights principle.
The lawyers also warned the DSS and its leadership of the negative consequence of willfully disobeying the court judgment
The statement read: “We members of Lawyers in Defence of Human and Economic Rights are again encouraged that there is hope for Nigeria, its democracy and the justice sector.
“Our belief is hinged on the landmark judgment delivered by Justice M.A. Hassan, barring the DSS from inviting, arresting, detaining or charging the CBN Governor with any allegation of terrorism or fraudulent act.
“This judgment is laudable and recommended to all our revered justices because it showed courage in the face of possible harassment and intimidation.
“We therefore advise the DSS leadership not to disrespect this judgment as doing so may attract severe court sanctions and the outcome may affect the image of the service nationally and internationally.
“Government institutions must respect the judiciary whether the decisions are favourable to them or not.”
