The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has denied that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to forcefully abduct the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, from the custody of Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kuje Abuja.
The Controller General of the NCS, Haliru Nababa made the denial when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions on Thursday.
His appearance followed a petition by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency which alleged that the EFCC and DSS attempted to forcefully remove Emefiele from custody.
Nababa, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General in Charge of Operations, Nwakeze Emmanuel, said, Emeifile is still in their custody dismissing the allegations about the attempt by the two agencies to abduct him.
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He said, “As far as we are concerned, we are not aware of any alleged attempt to forcefully release Dr Emefiele. Emefiele is still in our custody, bubbling”.
In his submission, the Director Legal and Prosecution Department of EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir SAN, informed that it was inappropriate to entertain the petition as it bordered on a subsisting court matter.
“I am wondering whether it is appropriate given the fact that it borders on a subsisting court matter for this committee to by way of public hearing delve into the matter more so that Mr Emefiele is ably represented by very senior lawyers in this matter including senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and this petition did not emanate from them.”
