…By for TDPel Media.
The suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, faced unexpected turmoil as he was taken into custody again by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after being granted bail by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The re-arrest led to a heated confrontation between DSS officers and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), who were tasked with holding Emefiele.
The situation unfolded during a trial where Emefiele faced charges of illegal possession of firearms before Justice Nicholas Oweibo.
The Re-Arrest and Confrontation
Following his plea of not guilty, Emefiele was granted bail with a sum of N20 million and the provision of a matching surety by the court.
The trial was adjourned until November 14, and Emefiele was to remain in the custody of the correctional service until he met the bail requirements.
Concerned about the possibility of being re-arrested by the DSS, Emefiele chose to stay within the courtroom even after the session concluded.
His lawyer, Joseph Daudu, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, had already warned about the DSS’s intentions despite the court’s orders.
Tensions Escalate
As the DSS officers stationed at the courtroom entrance moved to re-arrest Emefiele, a confrontation ensued with a senior officer from the Nigerian Correctional Service, who sought to abide by the court’s directive.
The situation quickly escalated, resulting in a torn NCoS officer’s uniform, journalists being instructed to leave, and court officials and visitors fleeing for safety.
Reasons Behind the Re-Arrest
The DSS did not immediately provide a clear explanation for Emefiele’s re-arrest, leaving many perplexed.
However, a source familiar with the case, speaking to Daily Trust, revealed that the DSS relied on an arrest warrant from a magistrate’s court, citing allegations of financing terrorism.
Curiously, the defense team had not been provided with a copy of the arrest warrant, raising questions about its legitimacy and the DSS’s actions.
Impunity and Uncertainty
The re-arrest and subsequent events have ignited debates about the exercise of power and the rule of law.
With a Federal High Court having already granted Emefiele bail, the circumstances surrounding the DSS’s reliance on an arrest warrant from a magistrate’s court have been called “impunity of the highest order.”
The lack of clarity and transparency in the situation leaves both the public and Emefiele’s defense team questioning the motives behind the re-arrest.
Conclusion
The re-arrest of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended CBN governor, following his bail has sparked significant controversy and physical confrontation.
As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering about the reasons behind the DSS’s actions and the implications it may have on the rule of law in Nigeria.
The case continues to attract public attention, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments as they unfold.
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