Disobeying Court Order, State Secret Service Rearrests Suspended CBN Governor, Sparking Custody Clash

 

In a surprising turn of events, the State Secret Service (SSS) defied a court order and rearrested the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele. This incident occurred amidst a heated clash between SSS officers and agents of another federal agency, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), over custody of Mr. Emefiele.

Earlier on Tuesday, a federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, had granted bail to Mr. Emefiele in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum. The court ruled that the charges against him were bailable, leading to the decision to grant him temporary freedom until his bail conditions were met. As per the court's directive, the NCS was supposed to take custody of the suspended CBN governor during this period.

However, the SSS officials claimed they had their own separate court order to rearrest Mr. Emefiele, thereby refusing to comply with the court's decision to hand him over to the NCS.

The initial arrest of Mr. Emefiele had taken place on 10th June when SSS agents apprehended him at his residence in Lagos. He was subsequently transported to Abuja for interrogation on charges of illegal possession of firearms and live ammunition. During the hearing, Mr. Emefiele had pleaded not guilty to the two counts brought against him.

Mr. Emefiele's legal team, represented by lawyer Joseph Daudu, had filed a bail application, which the court had granted, signaling a temporary reprieve for the embattled bank chief. Nonetheless, the SSS's refusal to comply with the court's order led to a tense confrontation with the NCS over custody of the suspended CBN governor.

This latest development has sparked controversy and raised questions about the authority of court orders and the actions of the State Secret Service. As the situation unfolds, the public awaits further updates on the legal ramifications and implications for the involved parties.