…. DSS Operatives Allegedly Cordon Off Apex Bank
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele has reportedly resumed office today, 16th of January, 2022.
Mr Emefiele who has been out of the country on leave has been the subject of a long-running controversy spanning the last few weeks over attempts by the Department of Security Service(DSS) to arrest him over allegations of terrorism financing.
According to information made available to TheNigeriaLawyer by a reliable source, Emefiele arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, this morning, and proceeded straight to his office.
He was reportedly accompanied by 5 Senior Advocates of Nigeria led by a Former Attorney General of the Federation understandably given the legal issues surrounding his attempted arrest by the DSS.
DSS Operatives Cordon Off CBN Office
The operatives of the State Security Service, SSS, have invaded the headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, taking over the office of the embattled governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele.
Recall that there has been a running battle between the SSS and Mr Emefiele over alleged terrorism financing.
The secret service had earlier sought a court order to arrest Mr Emefiele but has been out of the country for his annual leave which is expiring tomorrow, January 17.
But the FCT High Court had in December barred the SSS from arresting, inviting, or detaining Mr Emefiele.
READ ALSO : Terrorism Allegations, Fraud: DSS To Arrest CBN Gov, Emefiele Upon Arrival In Nigeria, Despite Court Order
Arriving at the CBN headquarters Monday noon, the DSS operatives came in with about 20 vehicles with armed personnel.
The operatives also barred all staff of the bank from gaining access to Mr Emefiele’s office.
According to a report by PUNCH on 12th January, 2023, “Emefiele ‘secretly’ returns to Nigeria amidst fear of arrest”
Embattled Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has reportedly returned to the country, on Wednesday, amidst growing rumour that he will be arrested by the Department of State Service.
Emefiele has left the country for several weeks following the investigation of several allegations against him, including corruption and terrorism financing.
Recall that the DSS had quietly sought a court order to arrest Mr Emefiele but the Federal High Court, Abuja rejected their request.
In the application, the DSS wanted the court to order the arrest of the CBN governor over alleged “acts of financing terrorism, fraudulent activities and economic crimes of national security dimension.”
The DSS filed the application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2255/2022 at the court on 7 December 2022.
Mr Emefiele was the sole defendant in the suit which was filed ‘ex parte’, meaning Mr Emefiele was not notified of the suit.
“His holidays finished on Tuesday so he has to report to work on Wednesday,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the online news platform further reported that Mr Emefiele is planning to leave the country again very soon, afraid the secret police could eventually arrest him amidst the continuous power play at the Federal Government.
“He is trying to leave within the next few days on the pretence of attending the annual World Economic Forum,” their source said.
However, attempts to reach out to the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, and the spokesperson for the Central Bank of Nigeria, Osita Nwanisobi, for comments were abortive as of press time on Thursday afternoon. PUNCH reports.
