The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly confiscated the passport of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is also said that the DSS may conduct searches of Emefiele’s home and office as part of their ongoing investigation. Emefiele was arrested in Lagos and flown to Abuja on a private jet following his suspension on Friday.
A source from the DSS stated that confiscating Emefiele’s travel document is standard procedure during an investigation. The source also mentioned that searches would be conducted at Emefiele’s residence and office to gather documents that could aid the investigation into his management of the Central Bank.
It is reported that other top directors of the Central Bank may also be invited or arrested for questioning regarding their roles in the administration of the bank. The DSS may revisit the criminal charges previously filed against Emefiele, including allegations of terrorism financing, fraud, and mismanagement of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending and the Anchor Borrowers Programme.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticized the DSS, stating that they lack the constitutional power to investigate and prosecute Emefiele. Falana suggests that Emefiele should be transferred to the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has the legal authority to prosecute him.
As of now, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, could not be reached for comment on the matter. It is worth noting that this information is based on reports from undisclosed sources and statements made by Femi Falana, and it should be verified through official channels for accuracy.