According to a statement by Peter Afunanya, spokesperson for the Department of State Services (DSS), Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had access to his family and medical officials prior to a court order granting him access to his lawyers and family. The DSS also claimed to have uncovered a “planned campaign of calumny” by certain individuals against the government in relation to Emefiele’s suspension.
The DSS expressed awareness of groups intending to gather in Abuja and Lagos with placards depicting the service and government in a negative light, while calling for Emefiele’s immediate release. The agency regarded these actions as propaganda aimed at distracting and demoralizing it from carrying out its responsibilities. The DSS cautioned the individuals involved to desist from their plans, noting that those orchestrating such activities are already under surveillance and will be apprehended if necessary.
The statement clarified that the DSS had already allowed Emefiele’s family, medical officials, and other appropriate individuals to have access to him even before the court order. The DSS emphasized its adherence to standard operating procedures regarding suspect handling and investigation. It pledged to conduct its affairs transparently, professionally, and in compliance with the rule of law.
On June 9, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele and directed him to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, the deputy governor of the operations directorate.