Pandemonium erupted at the Federal High Court in Lagos as the Department of State Security Service (DSS) attempted to re-arrest former governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele is facing trial before Justice Nicholas Oweibo on charges of illegal possession of firearms, to which he pleaded not guilty. The court had granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum and ordered him to be remanded in the correctional service until his bail was perfected.
After the adjournment of the case, the defendant remained in the courtroom for several hours, raising suspicions that the DSS might attempt a re-arrest. Armed DSS officials were present at the entrance of the courtroom, leading to tension in the environment.
When a Nigerian Correctional Center official tried to take Emefiele into custody as ordered by the court, the DSS officials resisted the move and brandished their guns, leading to chaos. Visitors to the court and journalists were forced to run for safety.
As of now, Emefiele is still inside the courtroom, and the situation remains uncertain.
