“The secret police and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) clashed over the agency’s attempt to take custody of the suspended and embattled Apex Bank Chief after Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted bail to Emefiele in the sum of N20 million on Tuesday,” revealed the news report. “Following a physical fight, DSS operatives eventually took custody of Emefiele.”The human rights organization responded to the incident through a statement issued by their strategic communication consultant, Mr. Abubakar Isa, on Wednesday. He addressed the situation, stating, “It’s laughable that a supposed Intelligence Agency would rearrest Emefiele on claims that have already been ruled upon by a competent court of law. Is the DSS now suggesting that the judiciary is wrong, incompetent, and that their judgments hold no significance as long as they do not favor them?”The statement further highlighted previous court rulings involving Emefiele, stating, “Months ago, Justice M. A. Hassan of a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) prohibited the Department of State Services (DSS) and four others from arresting or detaining Emefiele over alleged terrorism financing. In that ruling, the judge deemed the actions of the DSS as wrongful and illegal, as they had instigated President Muhammadu Buhari against Godwin Emefiele in relation to his duties concerning the issuance of monetary policies and directives, which aim to safeguard national security and the economy.”The statement continued, “Similarly, in a recent ruling, Justice Hamza Muazu of a High Court in Abuja ordered the DSS to immediately release Emefiele from detention or charge him to court. It is evident that the secret police bears a grudge against Emefiele, as they have consistently failed to comply with court rulings and show disrespect towards the judiciary. The disgraceful incident at the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday is a major setback. President Tinubu should not allow the DSS to tarnish his hard-earned reputation as a globally recognized democrat.”
Source: Vanguard
