In the wave of media attacks on the Department of State Security (DSS) by persons loyal to the former Central Bank Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele, alleging that the DSS is a lawless organisation that disobeys court orders, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria, a civil society organisation that seeks to promote good governance and accountability has come out to debunk such calls, labelling them as false and misleading.
Addressing journalists during a Press conference in Abuja Amb. Solomon Adodo, the National Coordinator of Rising-Up for a United Nigeria, alongside leaders of 14 other Civil Society Organisations insisted that the DSS being a very professional law enforcement cannot disobey court orders. The CSO added further that those trying to tarnish the image of the security outfit are nothing but paid stooges standing in the way of justice and defending criminals who have enriched themselves with stolen public funds.
Part of the statement reads, “It is disheartening that some persons are defending Emefiele who has actually caused all the financial problems Nigerians are facing now and trying to paint the DSS in bad light. The DSS has for a long time tried to get Emefiele to account for his crimes of terrorism sponsorship and money laundering amongst others since 2022. Emefiele used all forms of tactics including the judiciary to frustrate the Service yet the court orders restraining his arrests were obeyed. How can the Service be excused of not obeying court orders?”
The CSO averred further that the recent arrest of Emefiele following his suspension and additional criminal records was done according to the mandate of the DSS and with a valid magisterial order from which the Service obeyed in all entirety.
“Those pretending to be fighting for the rule of law and human rights should note that the DSS arrested and detained Emefiele based on a Magisterial Order from Justice Hamza Mu’azu of the FCT High Court who acknowledged the DSS’s legal right to arrest, detain, and investigate Emefiele. He ordered either Emefiele’s release or prosecution within seven days which the DSS promptly complied by charging him for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The Service has obeyed all court orders even when they were conflicting. How could this be regarded as disregard for court orders and a conflict with the judiciary?”, the statement queried.
On the re-arresting of Emefiele, the CSO maintained that it is a routine procedure for security agencies investigating crimes and Emefiele’s case should not be taken out of context as the necessary legal steps were taken to effect the arrest. The group further condemned the slew of insidious media attacks targeted at the DSS Director General, Yusuf Magaji. Stating further that the call for the scrapping of the DSS is laughable, stands utterly condemned by all sane citizens and only confirms the long term target of the propagandist to cripple national security.
“The incidence in Lagos and elsewhere in Abuja should not be erroneously misconstrued to mean disobedience to court orders as the Service has done everything in its power to protect Nigeria’s national security. The DSS’s role as a stabilising force for Nigeria’s democracy and sovereignty remains indispensable. We urge critics to discern more accurately and research extensively before forming opinions. The DSS’s respect for the law is evident through its compliance with judicial orders and pursuit of legal avenues, even in its appeal process”, the statement concluded.
