DSS Invades CBN, Takes Over Emefiele’s Office

The operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) have invaded the headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Naija News gathered that the security operatives also took over the office of the embattled governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele, who returned to his country in the early hours of Monday.

According to Daily Nigerian, the DSS operatives arrived at the CBN headquarters in Abuja on Monday afternoon with about 20 vehicles with armed personnel and invaded Emefiele’s office.

The operatives also barred all staff of the bank from gaining access to the office of the apex bank governor.

Meanwhile, the apex bank says its governor has resumed duty after his annual vacation abroad.

Confirming the development in a statement, Director, Corporate Communications of the CBN, Osita Nwanisobi,said Emefiele resumed on Monday.

He said the CBN boss returned to the country ahead of the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting slated for next week

Naija News reports that there has been a running battle between the DSS and Emefiele over alleged terrorism financing.

Recall that the DSS had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking a warrant to arrest him over allegations that he was involved in terrorism financing and economic crimes.

In declining the motion, the Chief Judge, Justice JT Tsoho, said the secret police did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims.

Later, Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama issued an order restraining the  DSS from arresting the CBN governor.

According to political analysts, the bid to arrest Emefiele might be political given the impact the redesign of the naira and limit on cash withdrawals might have on vote-buying in the 2023 elections.

A group of civil society organisations raised the alarm that there was a plot to frame Emefiele for terrorism and remove him from office.

However, the DSS swiftly warned against anyone being used to “undermine” its investigations, although it did not specifically name Emefiele. 

Reacting, DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said the service would not be distracted by those seeking to use “propaganda” to undermine its lawful investigations.