The Department of State Services, DSS, says it regretted the clash between its men and some officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service on Tuesday during the arraignment of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Govrnor Godwin Emefiele.
The DSS officials had clashed with officials of the NCC in a bid to re-arrest the embattled CBN governor after he was admitted to a N20 million bail by a feral high court presided over by Justice Nicholas Weibo in Lagos on July 25.
Emefiele has since been taken to the DSS custody in what is considered a violation of the court order, an act that has been trenchantly condemned by many Nigerians who called on the secret police to respect the court ruling..
The embattled apex bank govrnor is facing charges bordering on “illegal possession of firearms”
For instance, the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA has called for a thorough investigation of the incident, describing the DSS act as a disrespect to the rule of law.
In its response to the backlash, the DSS said the scuffle between the two security agencies is unfortunate and could have been avoided. The act of the DSS officials does not reflect the professional disposition of the Service, Peter Afunanya, the spokesman of the DSS said in a statement.
The statement further stated that the DSS has a robust relationship with other security agencies in the country contrary to suggestions in some quarters, noting also that it respects the nation’s judiciary and will not do anything to undermine the judicial system in the country.
Describing the behavior of the DSS men as undue overzelousness, the agency said it has launched investigation into the matter.
The investigation, the DSS said, “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,” Afunanya said..
“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.”
Meanwhile the magazine learned that the the Director General, Yusuf Bichi is very angry over the incident and has told the DSS officials involved in the scuffle that they will be punished if they are found watching aftr the investigation is concluded.
