Just-In: DSS finally arrests Suspended CBN Boss Emefiele over Terrorism

The suspended Governor of the Central Bank, CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to PM News Nigeria,
Emefiele’s arrest is coming shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suspended him from office with immediate effect.

A statement by Willie Bassey, Director, Information Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Friday night, announcing his suspension said the move came amid “ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.”

The CBN boss is to immediately hand over to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.

Following the suspension, the DSS swiftly moved to arrest Emefiele, taking him into custody supposedly for questioning.

Details of DSS ten allegations against the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele (Before his suspension

1. Funding Unknown gunmen, ESN and IPOB with money he raised for his failed presidential bid last year and funds diverted from government coffers .

2. Mismanagement of Nigeria’s social investment program (NISRAL and the Anchor Borrowers Scheme)

3. Illegall economic crimes of National security dimension

4. Money Laundering

5. Unwholesome activities through proxies

6. Round tripping

7. Conferment of financial benefits to self and others

8. Threat to National Security

9. Criminal conspiracy to divert government resources

10. Terrorism financing

Aside that the President and his supporters had during the 2023 election campaign accused the CBN governor of planning to frustrate Tinubu’s aspiration, it could be recalled that Emefiele had been accused of allegedly aiding and abetting acts of terrorism and the DSS made unsuccessful attempts to arrest him before President Tinubu took office.

Report had it that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, provided security for him upon arrival from a foreign trip.

Two conflicting reports had emerged in the media as at then. One had it that Emefiele had been arrested by the DSS while the other claimed he had resumed work at his office with full security protection.