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Dispute over Emefiele’s custody causes tension as DSS agents assault prison officials
Fighting broke out between heavily armed Department of State Services, DSS, and Nigeria Correctional Services, NCS, officers over custody of suspended former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor Godwin Emefiele.
DSS agents who had gathered more men to thwart the attempt of prison authorities to take Emefiele into custody severely beat up and arrested an unnamed highly-ranking NCS.
Before the altercation started, the prison staff had gathered extra men to take control of Emefiele as the judge had instructed.
Lawyers and journalists covering the matter scampered to safety to avoid being beaten by the DSS officials who have now positioned their men in strategic positions in the court premises to prevent Emefiele from being taken out of the court.
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On June 9, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele and asked him to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, deputy governor, operations directorate.
The day after, the DSS announced that Emefiele was in its custody for “some investigative reasons”.
On July 13, a federal capital territory high court ordered the DSS to charge Emefiele to court if they have a foolproof case against him.
Hamza Muazu, presiding judge, had said Emefiele should be released on bail if he is not taken to a competent court within a week.
The DSS had argued that while in its custody, Emefiele had access to family members and medical doctors.
