Emefiele: We’re investigating fight between our operatives, prison officers – DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) has vowed to investigate the fight between its operatives and those of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

DSS insisted that it never broke any law in its handling of the case of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday.

The agency described the fight between its operatives and those of NCoS as unfortunate.

Operatives of the secret police and NCoS fought over who should take Emefiele into custody at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday.

Reacting, DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya said the agency would not encourage such an action from its operatives.

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In a statement, Afunanya said: “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:

“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 relationship 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.

“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.”