Nigerian court orders release of former central bank governor

The High court in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja has ordered the release of former central bank governor Godwin Emefiele, who has been in detention since June, on bail.

“There must be an end to detention without trial,” said Judge Olukayode Adeniyi, sitting in the High Court in Abuja.

Mr Emefiele has been charged with illegally owning a shotgun after he was arrested by the feared secret police, officially known as the Department of State Services (DSS).

He denies the charges.

However, his trial has stalled since August when the security agencies failed to present him in court to enter a plea, Reuters reported.

Mr Emefiele was granted bail on condition that he surrenders his passport and his lawyers produce him in court on 15 November. He was not asked to put up any money as a condition for bail.