The Department of State Services (DSS) has defended its decision to flout an order of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Via a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Peter Afunanya, the secret police’s spokesman, the DSS defiantly said it did not break any laws.

Afunanya’s statement was titled ‘DSS Investigates 25th July, 2023, Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos Incident’.

It read in part, “For emphasis, 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.”

The DSS said it would investigate the clash between its operatives and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) that occured at the court over Emefiele’s custody but would only take disciplinary actions “if necessary”.

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A part of the statement also read, “The Service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism.”

Officials of both government agencies clashed in court on Tuesday after the DSS dragged out an NCoS official and denied the correctional service access to take Emefiele into custody in line with the court’s decision.

The DSS succeeded in taking the suspended CBN Governor with them, and the incident has drawn widespread criticism.

FULL STATEMENT:

The public will recall that Mr Godwin Emefiele, suspended CBN Governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, 2023.

The Service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and wish to state as follows:

i. The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS;
ii. The Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference;
iii. 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;
iv. 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.

For emphasis, 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.