Emefiele: NBA Reacts To Scuffle Between DSS, Correctional Service

Emefiele: NBA Reacts To Scuffle Between DSS, Correctional Service

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the altercation that occurred on Tuesday between operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over the custody of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

In a statement issued by NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, on Wednesday, the incident was described as “despicable”, and both agencies were urged to take immediate disciplinary actions against the involved officers for their “disgraceful conduct”.

The clash between the government agencies took place on the premises of the Federal High Court in Lagos when Justice Nicholas Oweibo granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N20 million.

The judge also ordered that Emefiele be remanded at the correctional center until his bail conditions were met. Emefiele, who had been suspended by President Bola Tinubu on June 9, 2023, had pleaded “not guilty” to charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

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The scuffle occurred when DSS operatives positioned their Hilux Pick Up van, indicating their intention to take Emefiele back to their detention center after his arraignment, but he refused to leave the courtroom with his lawyers. When prison officials attempted to take him into custody, the DSS challenged them, leading to a fight.

In response, Emefiele’s lawyers allowed the DSS to disobey the court order and take custody of their client to avoid further conflict. The prison officials left the court premises, and the DSS re-arrested Emefiele despite the court’s bail order.

The NBA condemned the incident and criticized the lack of discipline and professionalism displayed by key security institutions in Nigeria. The association called for disciplinary measures against the officers involved and demanded a complete overhaul of the institutions and reorientation of personnel to achieve professionalism and synergy in their constitutional responsibilities. The NBA emphasized the importance of respecting the sanctity of court premises and judicial processes as a barometer for assessing the rule of law in the country.