…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
DSS to Interrogate Suspended CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele
The Department of State Services (DSS) is preparing to interrogate individuals in addition to Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). On Tuesday, the DSS is expected to seek a court order to keep Emefiele in their custody for the duration of the interrogation.
A source revealed that the DSS may obtain an order to detain Emefiele indefinitely.
President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele from office with immediate effect in an effort to reform the financial sector.
Arrest and Interrogation Process
Following his suspension, Emefiele was arrested in Lagos on Saturday by DSS operatives and transported to Abuja via private jet.
The DSS has assembled a team of experienced interrogators to question Emefiele on various issues, including alleged terrorism financing, mismanagement of the economy, and the operations of the apex bank.
The DSS intends to thoroughly investigate Emefiele’s administration as directed by the President.
Broader Probe and Additional Individuals Under Scrutiny
Other top directors of the CBN are also expected to be interrogated in the coming weeks as part of a comprehensive investigation into Emefiele’s tenure.
The DSS plans to focus on senior officials in the CBN’s procurement department and special advisers to the suspended governor.
The interrogation will cover a range of issues, such as fraudulent loans given to farmers under the Fadama scheme, the controversial sale of Polaris Bank, alleged financing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by Emefiele, and allegations of forex fraud.
Questioning on Fiscal Policies and Naira Redesign
The CBN chiefs will be questioned about the apex bank’s fiscal policies, particularly the handling of the naira redesign policy, which caused a scarcity of naira notes and triggered a nationwide economic crisis, resulting in riots, bank attacks, and loss of lives.
Emefiele, his aides, and other top directors will face intense scrutiny on these matters.
Potential Consequences and Job Security
The level of complicity of those being interrogated will determine whether they retain their positions or face prosecution at the conclusion of the investigation.
The DSS aims to gather all necessary evidence before proceeding with legal action.