*Service says it will never encourage such behaviour
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed that it is investigating the ugly incident at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, where a senior officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) was seriously manhandled and his service uniforms torn by DSS security guards.
In a statement by Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the DSS, he stated that “the incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS”.
He added that “the Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference”.
He further stated that: “The Service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it.
“The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management.
“Also, the Service has robust working relationship with sister Security and Law Enforcement agencies including the NCoS
“While noting that the personnel from both agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service 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 however noted that, “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”.
Recall that Mr. Emefiele, the suspended CBN Governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, 25th July, but the arraignment turned most bizarre as the DSS refused to allow Emefiele opportunity to fulfill or fail to fulfill the bail conditions given him by the presiding Honourable Justice.
Soon after Emefiele was grabted bail and officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) wanted to take custody of him pending satisfying his bail conditions, DSS operatives engaged them in fierce browl, beating up and tearing the clothes of an NCoS officer, threatening to shoot anybody that intervenes, including lawyers, journalists and members of the public, and whisked the former CBN away in a most gestapo manner.
