Tag: DSS

Why DSS, Prison Officials clashed over re-arrest of Emefiele

DSS, Prison Officials clash over re-arrest of Emefiele

There was pandemonium at the premises of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, following an attempt by the Department of State Security Service to rearrest former governor of Central Bank Godwin Emefiele. Recall that Emefiele was charged by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation under the Ministry of Justice.

He is standing trial before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, on a two-counts charge of illegal possession of firearms. He had pleaded not guilty to charge and was granted bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum. The court had adjourned the case until Nov. 14 for trial and had ordered a remand of the defendant in the correctional service pending perfection of his bail. Meanwhile, after the case was adjourned, the defendant remained in the courtroom several hours after the case ended. It was gathered by newsmen who equally waited all the time in court ‘s premises, that the defendant may likely be re-arrested by the DSS. The environment of the court was filled with armed men of the DSS, who were seen waiting with guns at the entrance to the courtroom where the defendant was arraigned. Meanwhile, when a top official of the Nigerian Correctional centre made attempt to take the defendant into custodybof the correctional seevice as ordered by the court, officials of the DSS resisted the move. Officiala of the DSS were seen pushing him off and ordering all journalists to move out of the viccinity while brandishing their guns. All visitors to the court were seen running for safety. At press time, the defendant is still inside the courtroom and it is unclear what the situation will be going forward.

DSS charges Emefiele to court after weeks in custody

The Department of State Service (DSS) confirms that Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been charged to court. This was made known in a statement released by Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS after having him in custody for almost 30 days.

Suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. This action by the DSS is in accordance with a directive from the Abuja High Court, given on Thursday, July 13, 2023. The court order instructed the DSS to either bring charges against Emefiele within a week or release him. Afunanya’s statement reads, “Sequel to an Abuja High Court Order of today, 13th July 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele has been charged to Court in compliance with the Order.” “The public may recall that the Service had, in 2022, applied for a Court Order to detain him in respect of a criminal investigation. Though he obtained a restraining Order from an FCT High Court, the Service, however, arrested him in June, 2023, on the strength of suspected fresh criminal infractions/information, one of which forms the basis for his current prosecution.” The DSS, however, assured the Nigerian public that Emefiele‘s case will be handled with the utmost professionalism, ensuring justice and fairness. It is worth noting that, on June 9, 2023, Tinubu issued a directive instructing Emefiele to transfer the responsibilities of the central bank to the Deputy Governor of Operations, Folashodun Shonubi, who has been functioning in an acting capacity ever since. The next day, the DSS apprehended Emefiele at his residence in Lagos, where he was allegedly planning to escape the country. He has been in the custody of the secret police ever since, prompting concerns from Human Rights activists who have advocated for him to be charged in court.

charges Court custody DSS Emefiele weeks

Court restrains DSS, Kano agency, police from arresting Ganduje

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) and the police have been given an interim order by a federal high court in Kano restraining them from arresting Abdullahi Ganduje over alleged dollar bribe videos. Recall that the agency on Thursday invited the former governor, Ganduje, to appear before it next week to have the opportunity to clear his name in the ongoing investigation.

Immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje Other parties restrained from taking action against Ganduje are the inspector-general of police (IGP), Kano commissioner of police, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the attorney-general of the federation, and the attorney-general of Kano. In 2018, Daily Nigerian, an online newspaper, published a video of Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which he stuffed into his “babanriga”, a traditional outfit. The newspaper said the former governor requested $5 million as a bribe from the contractors who recorded the video. In the interim order issued on Friday, A.M Liman, the judge, said the directive would remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion. Hemba, a counsel to Ganduje, had filed the suit. The order reads: “Restraining the respondents, whether by themselves or acting through their officers, men, operatives, agents, or any persons or group of persons howsoever described, from harassing, intimidating, detaining the applicant or his children, or any member of his family, or any appointee who served under the administration of the applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion. “An order restraining the respondents, whether by themselves or acting through their officers, men, operatives, agents, privies, or any persons or group of persons howsoever described, from harassing, arresting, inviting, or detaining the applicant or his children, or any member of his family, or any appointee who served under his administration, or forcefully taking over properties of his children or any member of his family, or any appointee who served under his administration, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion.”

agency arresting Court DSS Ganduje KANO police restrains

Why Emefiele should not be granted bail ― DSS tells court

The Department of State Services, DSS has told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Abuja that the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele should not be granted bail. The former CBN governor is challenging his detention by the DSS and denying him access to his family members and lawyers.

DSS officers in a collage photo with Emefiele Both the DSS and OAGF told testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja in separate counter-affidavits filed in a fundamental rights enforcement suit by the suspended CBN chief. The OAGF denied that Emefiele was being held for terrorist-related crimes, adding he was not being victimised for his involvement in politics and the botched naira redesign policy. The OAGF said: “Issues of terrorism financing and fraudulent activities are not part of the grounds for the arrest and detention of the applicant. “The respondents have not violated the applicant’s right to live in any way, his life is not in danger. The respondents did not subject the applicant to any judicial adjudication to warrant the allegation of denial of a fair hearing. “With the remand order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, the said violation of the applicant’s right to freedom of movement does not arise. The respondents did not subject the applicant to any torture, the details of which have not been provided.” According to the DSS, Emefiele was being held pursuant to an order of a competent court, adding that the suspended CBN boss was arrested “upon reasonable suspicion of committing acts which constitute a criminal breach of trust, incitement to violence, criminal misappropriation of public funds, economic sabotage, economic crimes of national security dimension and undermining the security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The OAGF’s representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Tijani Gazal, told the court that Emefiele’s allegation of unlawful detention was unfounded, and therefore asked that Emefiele’s appeal should be rejected. Gazali said the suspended CBN governor was being detained on the order of an FCT Chief Magistrates Court. He told the court that the 0AGF (listed as the 1st respondent) was challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case. The SAN said Emefiele’s arrest and detention were administrative decisions of an arm of the Executive arm of government. He stressed that a court’s jurisdiction is determined by the relief sought by an applicant. Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned until July 13 for a ruling.

Bail Court DSS Emefiele granted tells

“Suspended EFCC Chairman, Bawa in our custody for questioning” ― DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) said the suspended Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has arrived at its office for questioning. Bawa is at the DSS office over allegations of abuse of office brought against him.
The Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Suspended EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa “The DSS has invited Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the EFCC and he arrived a few hours ago. “The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him,” he said. President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved the indefinite suspension of the EFCC Chairman from office. A statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said the suspension was to allow for a proper investigation into his conduct while in office. The statement said the suspension followed weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against the suspended EFCC boss. It directed Bawa to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director of Operations in the commission, The statement said the director would oversee the affairs of the office of the chairman, pending the conclusion of the investigation. Recall that former president Muhammadu Buhari appointed Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bawa took over from Mohammed Umar who was then in acting capacity since July 2020 after the suspension of Ibrahim Magu over allegations of corruption.

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Video of Emefiele getting arrested by DSS operatives at airport

A video of suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele getting arrested at the airport has been shared online. The video surfaced shortly after the spokesperson of the Department of State Services, Peter Afunanya disclosed that the embattled suspended CBN Governor is now in their custody. Suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. Source: Web Emefiele was flown from Lagos to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after being arrested at the airport yesterday evening, while allegedly attempting to flee the country. In the video shared online, the suspended CBN Governor was seen being forced out of a car he was in by DSS operatives who had handcuff with them, before being led into a waiting private jet which brought him back to Abuja. Godwin Emefiele has been arrested at the airport. OLORIBU FE SALO😂 pic.twitter.com/p4Tbzkg3xh — SALAWU||OMOIYAONIPAKO (@salawueedris1) June 10, 2023 DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya has now confirmed that Emefiele is in their custody for “investigative reasons”. The statement read; “EMEFIELE, NOW IN DSS CUSTODY “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is now in its custody for some investigative reasons. “The public, particularly the Media, is enjoined to apply utmost caution in the reportage and narratives concerning this. “Peter Afunanya PhD fsi
Public Relations Officer
Department of State Services
National Headquarters
Abuja
10th June, 2023“ The public, particularly the Media, is enjoined to apply utmost caution in the reportage and narratives concerning this. Peter Afunanya PhD fsi
Public Relations Officer
Department of State Services
National Headquarters
Abuja
10th June, 2023 — Department of State Services (DSS) (@OfficialDSSNG) June 10, 2023 Emefiele was suspended yesterday as announced by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey. He said that Emefiele was suspended following an ongoing investigation as well as because of a planned reform of the financial sector. A statement released by Bassey announcing Emefiele’s suspension read; “This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy. “Mr. Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.”

Airport arrested DSS Emefiele operatives Video

DSS denies arresting Emefiele, says he’s not in their custody

The Department of State Services, DSS, has denied arresting or having the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele under its custody. Recall that shortly after President Bola Tinubu announced his suspension, reports emerged that the suspended Godwin Emefiele was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for interrogation.

Godwin Emefiele However, DSS, in a tweet on Saturday, said that Godwin Emefiele was currently not under its custody. The tweet reads, “Currently, Emefiele is not with the DSS.” Emefiele was suspended sequel to an ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy. Mr Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi was immediately appointed by Tinubu as the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

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APC tackles NPF, DSS over alleged raid on Matawalle’s homes in Zamfara

The Zamfara Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department for State Services (DSS) for allegedly invading the homes of the immediate past Governor of the state, Alhaji Bello Matawalle. The condemnation is contained in a statement issued in Gusau by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Yusuf Idris.

The immediate past Governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Bello Matawalle. The statement read, “The unlawful invasion is a gross violation of the sacred provisions of Sections 34, 35, 37, 41, 42 and 43 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. “What exactly might have warranted the invasion still remains a mystery to the good people of Zamfara State. “If the government thinks it has any case against the former governor why not charge him to court instead of resorting to such barbaric and uncivilized means,” Idris said in the statement. The APC appealed to the leadership of the NPF and the DSS “to caution their personnel against such misadventure and punish those who took part in the alleged invasion“. “We appeal to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to order the immediate investigation and prosecution of all those who carried out the illegal act of breaking into the two residences of the Zamfara State APC leader and former Gov. Bello Matawalle. “We also call on the IGP to order the immediate arrest of those personnel stationed at the two residences of the former governor. “The former governor has several times said he has nothing to hide anywhere but legal means must be deployed before carrying out any action against him or his property. “We urge the police and all sister security agencies and their personnel to tread political grounds with caution as we cannot condone such action, especially in our dear state, which has deteriorating security challenges,” the statement said. Meanwhile, the Zamfara government, in a swift reaction to the police raid, said it ordered the operatives to recover vehicles allegedly “looted“ by the erstwhile governor.

The current Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal The government, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Suleman Idris, had earlier said that the raid by the police was executed in the aftermath of a court order it obtained. “The police operatives stormed the residences of the former governor where over 40 vehicles were impounded. “The police acted on a court order and a search warrant obtained for the operation,” Suleiman said. According to him, the Zamfara government had earlier asked Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five work days. “We also lodged an official complaint with the police on the wasteful looting of valuables, including official vehicles. “Consequently, the police sought a search warrant which was duly given by the court and hence raided Matawalle’s residences in Gusau, Maradun and another unidentified hideout. “Over 40 vehicles were recovered, including three bulletproof vehicles and eight Sport Utility vehicles (SUV). “We want to reaffirm our commitment to recover all that belongs to the people. “Our common resolve is to rescue and rebuild Zamfara and recovering the proceeds of crime and public assets is a critical part of our rescue mission. “We want to call on the people of Zamfara to remain calm as we continue to record massive improvements in the areas of security and the lingering water scarcity in the state,” Suleiman said.

ALleged APC DSS Homes Matawalles NPF raid tackles Zamfara

Emefiele arrested by DSS after being suspended by Tinubu

Suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Recall that Willie Bassey, a Director in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced the CBN Governor’s suspension on Friday night.

Suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Source: Web He was asked to hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms. Bassey said; “This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy. “Mr. Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.” Shortly after it was announced that Emefiele has been suspended, it’s been also gathered that he’s been arrested by the DSS. The DSS had filed its case (ex-parte motion) against Emefiele on December 7, 2022, seeking permission to arrest, probe, and detain him. The suspended CBN Governor was accused of;

Operatives of the Department of State Services. Source: Web 1. Funding Unknown gunmen, ESN and IPOB with money he raised for his failed presidential bid last year and funds diverted from government coffers 2. Mismanagement of Nigeria’s social investment program (NISRAL and the Anchor Borrowers Scheme) 3. Illegal economic crimes of National security dimension 4. Money Laundering 5. Unwholesome activities through proxies 6. Round tripping 7. Conferment of financial benefits to self and others 8. Threat to National Security 9. Criminal conspiracy to divert government resources 10. Terrorism Financing However, on December 9, a federal high court in Abuja declined the application filed by the DSS. The court said at the time that such an application should have been accompanied by presidential approval because of the grave implications for the Nigerian economy if the CBN governor is arrested and detained.

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Keyamo petitions DSS, calls for arrest of Peter Obi for alleged incitement

Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, has petitioned the DSS, urging them to arrest and prosecute Peter Obi and his vice, Datti Baba-Ahmed for incitement.

He accused the Labour Party’s presidential candidate and vice of committing “incitement and treasonable felony” through their comments, which he describes as incendiary and capable of causing rebellion. As the chief spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Keyamo believes that in the post-election period, it is important to calm tensions, reduce the temperature, and initiate the healing process. The petition was addressed to the Director-General of the DSS and was dated March 23.

“The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, issued a statement to this effect a few days ago. However, it appears the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed are not prepared to toe this conciliatory path for the sake of peace and national cohesion, whilst exercising their rights to pursue duly laid down constitutional means of addressing their grievances,” he stated. Keyamo pointed out that following the announcement of the presidential election results, Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed, have been appearing on various media outlets and making inciting remarks and allegations about the declaration of the President-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Keyamo ‘s Statement on the Arrest of Peter Obi and Datti “These comments and claims are made, not just within the boundaries of exercising their rights to freedom of speech and the freedom to air their grievances publicly, but they have since crossed the line to call for the outright truncation of democracy by insisting on the adoption of other processes outside the contemplation of our Constitution. “In some cases, their privies have even called for the establishment of an Interim Government. “The latest of such are the comments made by Datti Baba-Ahmed on behalf of himself and Mr. Peter Obi on Channels TV on Wednesday, March 22, wherein he threatened that if the President-elect was sworn in on May 29, it would ‘signal the end of democracy’. “Posing as an accuser, a judge and a jury all by himself, he unilaterally declared the duly elected President-elect as ‘unconstitutional’ and, in a subliminal manner, threatened mayhem if the President-elect was sworn in on May 29. “I also have it on good authority that Mr. Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed have camped some youths in a popular hotel in Abuja with the sole aim of instructing them to push out inciting messages everyday on social media in order to cause panic and fear within the federation and to incite people to riot and social unrest. “It is noteworthy that Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed have submitted elections petitions to the courts for adjudication, but their conducts and utterances amount to a subversion of the processes they have instituted in court and a subversion of our Constitution and the laid-down processes for addressing disputes and grievances. “These conduct and utterances are a build-up to something more sinister and it is important you rein them in now! “In the circumstance, I submit this petition in my personal capacity as a patriotic Nigerian to invite/arrest, interrogate and after investigation, if necessary, charge both individuals to court for their conduct which amounts to incitement and treasonable felony.”

ALleged Arrest calls DSS incitement Keyamo Obi PETER petitions