The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has uncovered plot by some individuals and groups to protest over the arrest of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, by the secret police.
The DSS said the individuals and groups have concluded plans to hold the protest in Lagos and Abuja next week to call for the immediate release of Emefiele.
The secret police, while warning against the protest, said it had granted the family of Emefiele and medical officials access to him from the day he was taken into custody.
It made this known via a statement issued on Saturday, June 17, by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya.
The statement read: “The Department of State Services (DSS) has identified persons and groups planning to stage campaigns of calumny against it and the Government over the suspension and investigation of Mr Godwin Emefiele. Such groups intend to gather at different points in Abuja and Lagos in the coming week with placards depicting the Service and Government in bad light as well as calling for the immediate release of Emefiele.
“The Service is, therefore, aware of cheap propaganda aimed at demotivating and distracting it from professionally executing the onerous responsibilities assigned to it.
“It has also noted the misleading commentaries, speculative narratives, storylines, and videos being circulated in the social media by uninformed parties, critics and/or desperadoes. It is mindful of orchestrations to infiltrate its fold for the purpose of using disloyal staff for subversive aims against its leadership.
“While these efforts are considered as hatchet jobs designed to distract, the Service warns the plotters to desist forthwith from their plans. This is more so that the arrowheads are already under watch and will be apprehended when and if it becomes necessary.
“It is instructive to state that the Service had granted the family of Emefiele, medical officials, and appropriate persons access to him, right from the day he was taken in and long before the court order requesting so.
“The Service implements Standard Operating Procedures on Suspect Handling and Investigation to the latter. It conducts its affairs transparently, professionally and respects the rule of law in compliance with democratic governance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it assures of its professionalism in the current matter(s) under its purview. It will, however, not be distracted or intimidated.”
A High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, June 16, ordered the DSS to grant Emefiele unhindered access to his lawyers and family.
Justice Hamza Muazu granted the order after an oral application by counsel for Emefiele, Joseph Daudu, SAN in a suit marked: FCT/HC/CV/6450/23.
Emefiele has been taken into custody by DSS hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office.