The Department of State Services (DSS) has said that it will investigate the confrontation between its operatives and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
On Tuesday, DSS operatives and their counterpart from the NCoS had a face-off after the arraignment of the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at the Ikoyi, Lagos Court.
The fight broke out over the embattled CBN chief’s custody as the DSS operatives forcefully grabbed Emefiele from NCoS officers back into their custody in spite of a N20 million bail.
Reacting in a statement by its Spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, on Wednesday the DSS while confirming the incident, however, maintained that the Service had not broken any laws in handling Emefiele’s case.
Afunanya described the Tuesday’s incident as unfortunate as it does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS, while maintaining that the Service did not and would never encourage the incident.
He said the DSS has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it as the Service recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management.
The DSS spokesperson said the Service has robust working relationship with sister Security and Law Enforcement agencies including the NCoS, noting that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, and the secret police 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,” Afunanya noted.
“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 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 and, therefore, enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation.
“It is imperative to note that we have no other country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it,” the statement concluded.