Department of State Services, DSS, National Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, said the Service had opened investigation of its operatives those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, 2023, following the altercation between operatives of both agencies after the Court granted bail to the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.
It would be recalled that I mmidiately the court granted bail to the former CBN Governor, personnel of the DSS and NCS, clashed over which agency would have Emefiele in custody.
The DSS also tried to rearrest the ex-CBN governor after the court session.
The Public Relations Officer,
Department of State Services, National Headquarters, Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Wednesday, described the incident as unfortunate.
He said that what transpired did not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS.
According to Afunanya, the Service did not and would never encourage such an incident, stressing that the Service had tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and would not go out of its way to undermine it.
The statement explained that DSS recognised the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management, stating that the Service had robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS;
Afunanya noted that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, stating that the Service had initiated detailed investigations into the matter.
According to him, this was 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.
The full statement reads;
The public will recall that Mr Godwin Emefiele, suspended CBN Governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, 2023.
The Service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and wish to state as follows:
i. The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS;
ii. The Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference;
iii. 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 robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS;
iv While noting that 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 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 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.
