Confusion over alleged DSS invasion of CBN’s headquarters, arrests of Emefiele
There was confusion on Monday over alleged invasion of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest the governor of the bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
National dailies had reported that DSS arrested Emefiele over alleged terrorism financing.
Emefiele had reportedly returned to the country last Wednesday, amidst speculations that he would be arrested by DSS.
He had left the country for several weeks, following the investigation of several allegations against him, including corruption and terrorism financing.
In a swift response, the Public Relations Officer, DSS, Peter Afunanya in a statement debunked the report, calling it fake news.
He said: “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to the false news making the round that its operatives invaded the Central Bank of Nigeria and arrested its Governor, today 16/1/23.
“This is fake news and quite misleading.”
The Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Osita Nwanisobi in a statement said Emefiele resumed duty on Monday after his annual vacation abroad.
“Emefiele, who proceeded on leave in December 2022, resumed work today, Monday, January 16, 2023.
“The Governor resumed with renewed vigour to perform his duty ahead of the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the year scheduled for January 23 to 24, 2023.
“Emefiele remains committed to performing the task before him in line with his oath of office and the policy direction of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“While thanking the public for keeping faith with the Bank, we urge Nigerians to continue to support the policies of the Bank aimed at ensuring a stable financial system and the Nigerian economy in genera,” he said.
It would be recalled that the DSS had quietly sought a court order to arrest Mr Emefiele but the Federal High Court, Abuja rejected the 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.”
DSS filed the application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2255/2022 at the court on 7 December 2022.
Emefiele was the sole defendant in the suit which was filed ‘ex parte’, meaning Mr Emefiele was not notified of the suit.
A recent report by PREMIUM TIMES online newspaper quoted a source as disclosing that Emefiele got the permission of President Buhari for two weeks leave which expired Tuesday.
