DSS Investigates Incident at Federal High Court Involving Suspended CBN Governor

Department of State Services Assures the Public of Professionalism and Respect for Judiciary

The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially responded to the incident that occurred at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, 2023, during the arraignment of the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

In a statement released through their Twitter handle, @OfficialDSSNG, the DSS addressed the unfortunate incident involving its staff and personnel from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The DSS spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, highlighted the agency’s commitment to professionalism and emphasized that the incident does not represent the overall demeanour of the DSS. The agency expressed regret over the situation and disavowed any encouragement of such actions in the future.

The statement reiterated the DSS’s deep respect for the Judiciary as an essential institution of the government and recognized its critical role in nation-building, national development, and security management. Additionally, it emphasized the DSS’s strong working relationship with other security and law enforcement agencies, including the NCoS.

Acknowledging the “undue overzealousness” displayed by personnel from both agencies, the DSS announced that it has initiated thorough investigations into the matter. The aim is to identify the specific individuals involved and, if necessary, take disciplinary actions against them. The agency also sought to draw lessons from the incident to avoid such occurrences in the future.

Addressing claims that the DSS acted unlawfully during the handling of the Emefiele case, the statement asserted that the agency has upheld the law throughout the investigation. Furthermore, the DSS revealed that it had previously alerted the public about efforts to discredit its leadership.

• Special Assistant Reveals Job Racketeering Scheme Involving FCC Chairperson
• Court orders DSS to allow Kanu access to his medical records
• Former Aviation Minister Sirika Questioned by DSS Over Nigeria Air ‘Launch’ Controversy
• Drama at Federal High Court as DSS Arrests Ikoyi Prisons Official Amidst Custody Battle Over Suspended CBN Governor
• Court Strikes Out Suits by Emefiele’s Siblings Against AGF and DSS
• CBN Deputy Governor Reportedly Arrested by DSS

In reaffirming its commitment to fulfilling its national security mandate, the DSS vowed to maintain ethical standards, discipline, and professionalism. The agency urged Nigerians to support its endeavors in achieving the country’s security goals, emphasizing that the unity and progress of Nigeria are paramount.

Dr. Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, concluded the statement with an appeal for unity, love, and tolerance among Nigerians, emphasizing that building the nation requires collective effort and cooperation.

The DSS’s response comes amidst growing concerns about the incident at the Federal High Court, and the agency’s proactive approach in addressing the issue is likely to be closely monitored by the public and the legal community. As investigations proceed, Nigerians await the outcomes and measures taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.