• Pix above: DSS-NCS tussle

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A mild drama ensued at the Federal High Court, Lagos between operatives of the Department of State Services and officials of Nigeria Correctional Service as they tussled over who keeps custody of the embattled  ex-Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

–NCS squadron commander finally arrested by DSS operatives

Emefiele was arraigned by the Federal Ministry of Justice for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition but was granted bail in the sum of N20m with one surety, following his “not guilty” plea.

As the defendant’s lawyers were trying to perfect his bail conditions, a mild drama ensued within the court premises between DSS operatives who are fully hooded and NCS over who will take custody of the embattled CBN boss.

Two Hilux vehicles belonging to the two government agencies were positioned near the entrance of the court.

The prison service also brought dogs into the court premises.

Sources said that there were moves by the DSS operatives to rearrest Emefiele despite the bail granted to him by the court, which the prison service objected.

The NCS’ move to take him into custody was borne by the status that, once a suspect was arraigned in the court by any agency and granted bail, it (the NCS) keeps the said suspect until the conclusion of his bail processing.

But the DSS would not hear any of that, as the operatives moved to take him into their custody, which resulted in the NCS standing by its own right – hence the drama.

…As DSS succeeds in re-arresting Emefiele at court amidst prison service withdrawing

Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, operatives of  DSS and the Nigerian Correctional Services (Prisons) have co-operated and re-arrested the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

–Emefiele re-arrested

The DSS seized Emefiele shortly after its operatives physically fought off operatives of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) who attempted to take Emefiele away in compliance with the order of Justice Nicholas Oweibo.

Emefiele was arraigned by the Federal Government and pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of possession of a firearm without a license.

Justice Oweibo granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N20million with one surety in THE like sum.

But he was not able to leave the courtroom because of the imbroglio between the sister agencies.

The DSS and NCS almost come to blows over who should take custody of Emefiele, of which the DSS finally prevailed and took him away.

DSS operatives rough-handed a Prisons Squadron Commander.

They pushed him out of the court and tore his shirt buttons. /SHARE THIS

• Tags: NCS, DSS, Emefiele