Controversial Court Appearance
The conduct of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday during the court appearance of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has drawn widespread condemnation. Despite being granted bail and ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi facility of the Nigerian Correctional Services, Emefiele was rearrested and whisked away by the DSS, leading to a clash between DSS operatives and prison officials.
Legal Battle Over Firearms Possession
Emefiele was arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo on two counts of illegal firearms possession. During the court proceedings, he pleaded not guilty, and his defense lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), moved an application for bail, which was granted by the court in the sum of N20m with one surety in like sum. However, the DSS objected to the bail, leading to a tense situation after the court session.
Outcry Over Lawlessness and Disrespect for Court
The dramatic confrontation between DSS operatives and prison officials, during which the prison commander’s uniform was torn, has ignited outrage among Emefiele’s family members, lawyers, and human rights activists. They have condemned the actions of the DSS, accusing them of acting unlawfully and disrespecting the authority of the judiciary. The incident has raised concerns about the rule of law and the conduct of security agencies in Nigeria.
