DSS operatives in a brawl with officials of NCoS over who gets the custody of suspended CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele in the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Tuesday, July 25
An investigation will be conducted into the face-off on Tuesday, July 25, between officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi.
The DSS in a statement issued on Wednesday by Peter Afunanya, its spokesperson, disapproved the incident which he described as “unfortunate”, adding that “it does not reflect the professional disposition of the Service”.
Godwin Emefiele, suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was on Tuesday, arraigned at the court in Ikoyi and was granted N20 million bail.
Emefiele is facing charges bordering on “illegal possession of firearms”.
Nicholas Oweibo, the judge, ruled that Emefiele be remanded at the correctional centre, pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions but DSS operatives insisted on taking him into their custody.
Consequently, a scuffle broke out between the NCoS personnel and the DSS officials at the court premises.
He said the DSS had respect for the judiciary and would not go out of its way to undermine it.
Said Afunanya: “The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation-building, national development and security management”.
“Also, the Service has a robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS”.
Afunanya said the personnel of both agencies exhibited “undue overzealousness”, noting that the DSS had initiated an investigation into the matter.
Noted he: “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 a 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”.
He expressed the Service’s craving for the support of well-meaning Nigerians in achieving the desired security goals for the nation.
