DSS didn’t break any law — Spokesperson

The Department of State Services has condemned the fight that ensued between its personnel and the officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said the DSS did not break any law with the manner it had handled Emefiele’s case.

“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,” Afunanya said in the statement.

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Afunanya said the service remained focused on its national security mandate, enjoining well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation.

He, however, said the personnel of the two agencies exhibited “undue overzealousness”, adding that the service had commenced an investigation into the matter.

The statement read, “The public will recall that Mr. Godwin Emefiele, suspended CBN Governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on July 25, 2023. The service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service and wishes to state as follows:

“The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS; 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 robust working relationships with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS.

“While noting that the personnel from both agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter.”

The investigation, he said, will help to identify the roles played by specific persons as well as “undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward.”