The Department of State Services (DSS) has finally opened up on the scuffle between its officials and its counterparts at the Nigerian Prisons Services at the premises of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said; “The DSS did not authorise the operation, given its respect for the judiciary, the incident is unfortunate.”
“What transpired does not reflect the professional disposition of the agency, the Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference.”
“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 a robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement agencies, including the Prisons.“
“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 law in handling the Emefiele’s 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.”
For those who don’t know, Emefiele was re-arrested by the DSS at the premises of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The DSS had on Tuesday morning (July 25th, 2023) arraigned Emefiele on a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms.
However, the trial judge, Justice Nicolas Oweibo, granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N20 million and a surety in like sum.
The judge also signed a warrant for Emefiele’s remand at Ikoyi prison, Lagos pending when he perfects his bail.
But, event took a dramatic turn as the DSS operatives and the prison officials battle for Emefiele’s custody, despite the order by the court that he should be remanded in Ikoyi prison.
Sources squealed to us that the prison officials who attempted to take the suspended CBN Governor into custody were manhandled by the DSS operatives.
Sources added that moments after, the prison officials left the court, following the intervention of perhaps an order from above.