The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken possession of the passport belonging to Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Central Bank Governor. Furthermore, it has been reported that the DSS may conduct searches of Emefiele’s residence and office this week.
Emefiele’s suspension, which occurred on Friday due to an ongoing investigation into his office and planned financial sector reforms, led to his arrest in Lagos. He was subsequently transported to Abuja via a private jet on Saturday. Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, confirmed that Emefiele is currently in custody and under investigation.
A reliable source within the DSS revealed that it is standard procedure to confiscate the travel document of an individual during an ongoing investigation. In addition, the suspended governor’s house and office will be thoroughly searched for any relevant documents that could assist in the ongoing probe concerning his management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
There are indications that other high-ranking directors of the CBN may also be summoned or arrested for questioning regarding their roles within the apex bank’s administration. The DSS is reportedly considering revisiting the criminal charges previously filed against Emefiele, which primarily revolve around terrorism financing and fraud.
Attempts to reach DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone line indicated that he was unavailable. A text message sent to him regarding Emefiele’s detention remained unanswered at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has asserted that the DSS lacks the constitutional authority to investigate and prosecute Emefiele. Falana suggested that Emefiele should be transferred to the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which possesses the legal mandate to prosecute him.
In conclusion, the ongoing investigation by the DSS into the alleged involvement of Godwin Emefiele in financial crimes has resulted in the confiscation of his passport and the possibility of searches being conducted at his residence and office. Legal experts have raised questions about the jurisdiction of the DSS in prosecuting Emefiele and proposed that the EFCC handle the case.