ABUJA, Nigeria – The Department of State Services, DSS, expressed stern disapproval over a brawl between its personnel and the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS officials.
The disagreement stemmed from handling the case involving the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor Godwin Emefiele.
Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, defended the service’s conduct in a statement released on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, emphasizing that the DSS had not violated any laws in handling Emefiele’s case.
This follows concerted efforts by unidentified elements to discredit the service’s leadership and skew the narrative.
Afunanya stated, “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.”
During its duties, Afunanya assured that the DSS would strive to maintain professional ethics, high discipline, and prevent itself from being used for clout chasing or delusional heroism.
Addressing the incident between the DSS and the NCoS, Afunanya conceded that the personnel from both agencies exhibited “undue overzealousness”.
The DSS has initiated a detailed investigation into the matter to identify the roles played by specific individuals, undertake disciplinary actions if necessary, and draw lessons for the future.
Afunanya stated, “The DSS recognises the judiciary as a critical component in nation-building, national development, and security management. Also, the service has robust working relationships with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS.”
While acknowledging the unfortunate incident, the DSS spokesperson reaffirmed the service’s commitment to its national security mandate and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation.
Tug of War: DSS and Prisons Officials Clash over Custody of Emefiele [WATCH]
An unusual drama unfolded on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, as operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, and officials of Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, clashed over the custody of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele, arraigned today by the DSS on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, was granted bail for N20 million with a requirement for one surety.
While his lawyers were still in the courtroom working to fulfill his bail conditions, a power struggle took place in the court premises between DSS and NCoS operatives over which entity would retain custody of the defendant.
In a show of force and determination, two Hilux vehicles representing the two government agencies were stationed near the court entrance, marking their respective territories.
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There are indications that the DSS might be planning to rearrest Emefiele, despite the court having granted him bail.
This potential move has stirred a heated debate and brought a tense atmosphere to the court premises, causing concern among spectators and legal practitioners alike.
As the day wore on, the standoff persisted, leaving observers and legal representatives unsure of the outcome and adding another layer of complexity to an already controversial case.
This power struggle has once again highlighted the often complicated and intricate relationship between Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and their role in the judicial process.
