The Department of State Services (DSS) has reacted to the melee at the premises of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, over the custody of the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, saying that both its personnel and the officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) exhibited overzealousness in the handling and re-arresting of Emefiele.
DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, who in a statement on Wednesday noted that the personnel from both agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, said the secret Police 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,” he stated.
Recall that there was a free-for-all at the premises of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos between the DSS and the NCoS officials after the arraignment of Emefiele on a two-count charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
After the day’s proceedings, Justice Nicholas Oweibo granted bail to Emefiele, ordering that the suspended CBN governor be remanded in a correctional facility until he perfects his N20 million bail condition.
Dissatisfied with the decision of the court, DSS operatives laid siege for about three hours to re-arrest Emefiele.
Consequently, the defendant refused to step out of the courtroom, while his lawyers made frantic effort to mobilise officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service to take him away.
After hours of waiting, Emefiele’s lawyers left. Thereafter, more armed NCoS personnel arrived with a senior officer and attempted to take Emefiele.
Consequently, DSS operatives rough-handled a commander of the Correctional Service, tore his buttons and shoved him out of the chambers, insisting they had orders to take Emefiele, notwithstanding the court’s injunction.
Reacting to this, Dr Afunanya said the Service has commenced investigation into the fracas.
He further said the incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS as the Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference.
Afunanya also noted that 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, noting that “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.”
