LAGOS, Nigeria – The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, was whisked away from the Federal High Court premises in Lagos by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
Earlier, a heated confrontation was witnessed between officials of the DSS and the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, who were each vying for custody of Emefiele.
This disagreement led to an unusual tug-of-war, the center of which was the suspended governor, causing a scene at the court.
Two Hilux vehicles, one each from the DSS and the NCoS, were strategically positioned near the courtroom entrance.
This standoff between the two government agencies presented a dramatic backdrop to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the embattled Central Bank head.
It remains unclear why the DSS and NCoS were at loggerheads over the custody of Emefiele.
Details surrounding the decision of the DSS to escort Emefiele from the premises are also sparse, further adding to the mystery and intrigue of this high-profile case.
Emefiele, currently on trial for alleged illegal possession of firearms, was granted bail earlier this week, a move that appeared to signify a brief respite for the suspended official.
However, today’s events have signaled that the journey ahead is unpredictable.
The standoff between the DSS and NCoS raises serious questions about inter-agency cooperation and coordination within the country’s security and legal institutions.
As the trial continues, observers eagerly wait for more information on the controversial exit of Emefiele from the court, the reasons behind the DSS’s intervention, and its potential impact on the ongoing case.
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.
