July 26, (THEWILL) – The Department of State Services (DSS), says it is investigating the scuffle between its operatives and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), at the premises of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
THEWILL reports that armed operatives of the DSS on Tuesday, engaged an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service in a physical scuffle over the custody of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), shortly after Justice Nicholas Oweibo granted him a N20m bail and ordered that he be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
While the incident has generated wide condemnation, as many berated the DSS over its flagrant disregard for the ruling of the court, the Service, in a statement issued on Wednesday, by its Spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, reiterates its respect for the Judiciary.
Despite the rearrest of Emefiele at the court premises in disobedience to the order of Justice Oweibo that the suspended apex bank chief be remanded in the custody of the NCS at Ikoyi, Afunanya insisted that the DSS has not broken any law in handling Emefiele’s case.
Afunanya blamed the scuffle at the premises of the Federal High Court on overzealousness of both security Agencies, insisting that the DSS maintain cordial working relations with sister Security and Law Enforcement agencies including the NCoS;
The statement reads: “The public will recall that Mr Godwin Emefiele, suspended CBN governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, 2023.
“The Service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and wish to state as follows:
i. The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS;
ii. The Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference;
iii. The Service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it.
“The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management.
“Also, the Service has robust working relationship with sister Security and Law Enforcement agencies including the NCoS;
iv. While noting that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter. This is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward.
“For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele Case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary.
“The Service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership.
“In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and high sense of discipline.
“The Service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate and, therefore, enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation.
“It is imperative to note that we have no other country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it.”
