Tag: dss

EFCC arrests currency racketeers trading in new naira notes in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested members of a syndicate of currency racketeers trading in the redesigned naira notes at Zone 4, Wuse and Dei-Dei axis of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The Commission is also set to raid new naira note racketeers in key commercial cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna,

According to EFCC on Tuesday, the Abuja suspects were nabbed during an operation to halt the illicit currency trading carried out by the anti-graft agency between Saturday and Monday.

The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.

Findings from EFCC officials showed its operatives had penned down some commercial nerve centres in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna, where currency hawkers are having a field day.

The EFCC planned raids came on the heels of similar raids of currency hawkers and racketeers by personnel of the Department of State Services.

The EFCC planned raids came a day after the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefile, said the apex bank would collaborate with law enforcement agencies such as the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, to track heavy withdrawals.

Recall that the CBN had extended the deadline for the validity of the old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes from January 31 to February 10.

The Department of State Services revealed on Monday that its operatives arrested some currency traders who had turned the sale of newly redesigned notes into brisk business.

The secret police also alleged that the perpetrators were working in cahoots with officials of commercial banks.

Meanwhile, the EFCC further noted that its findings revealed that some of the money traders were working with officials of Money Deposit Banks, vowing to extend its operation to all major commercial centres across the country until all the syndicates involved in the illegal trade are demobilized.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the anti-graft agency also urged financial market operators to ensure compliance with the guidelines set by the CBN.

It added, “The suspects have made useful statements, including a disclosure that they were acting in cohort with some unscrupulous officials of Money Deposit Banks.

“The commission will extend the operation to all the major commercial centres of the country until all the syndicates involved in the illegal trade are demobilized. Financial system operators are also warned to desist from the sharp practices or risk arrest and prosecution.

“Zonal commanders of the EFCC also met with officials of various banks in their commands in an effort to ascertain the volume of the new notes issued to the commercial banks and how the banks were dispensing the monies to their customers.”

“The commanders urged the financial market operators to ensure compliance with the guidelines set by the Central Bank of Nigeria while disclosing that they have dispatched operatives across their commands to monitor the level of compliance by banks and other operators in the financial market.”

February 1, 2023
DSS intercepts syndicates allegedly selling new Naira notes

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has intercepted some syndicates in parts of the country for allegedly selling the newly redesigned Naira notes.

This is contained in a statement issued by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of the DSS on Monday in Abuja.

He said the syndicates were intercepted by operatives of the service during an operation.

“Investigation has also shown that some Commercial Bank officials were aiding the economic malfeasance.

“Consequently, the Service warns the currency racketeers to desist from this ignoble act.

“Appropriate regulatory authorities are, in this same vein, urged to step up monitoring and supervisory activities to expeditiously address the emerging trends,” he said.

He said the DSS has ordered its commands and formations to further ensure that all persons and groups engaged in the illegal sale of the notes were identified.

The DSS spokesman, therefore, urged anyone with useful information relating to the sales of the new currency to pass the same to relevant authorities.

January 30, 2023
Analysis: Now that Emefiele is back, what next?

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, has resumed duty after a long controversial absence and amid reports Monday that operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) invaded the headquarters of the CBN and took over his office.

A statement by the Bank’s Director of Corporate Communications Osita Nwanisobi, said Emefiele resumed from his annual vacation with renewed vigour to perform his duty ahead of the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the year scheduled for January 23 and 24.

“Mr. Emefiele remains committed to performing the task before him in line with his oath of office and the policy direction of President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement said.

Although the State Service denied occupying the CBN headquarters on Monday, the speculation about the invasion of the Bank Governor’s office and purported arrest can be traced to the alarm raised by a group of senior lawyers about a week ago, where they accused the SSS of secretly planning to arrest Emefiele, without recourse to the rule of law.

The CBN Governor had been accused of siphoning stamp duty charges to the tune of N89.09tn, among other allegations of corruption and was said to be a terrorist financier.

The SSS had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Bank Governor seeking an order for his arrest, a request which the court refused to grant on the ground that it lacked sufficient evidence.

Similarly, Justice M.A. Hassan of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory issued an order restraining the Service from arresting and detaining Emefiele over the unsubstantiated allegations.

“In spite of these two categorical judicial decisions, we observe moves to still proceed and sidetrack and disobey the court decisions and unduly and unlawfully interfere with Mr. Emefiele’s fundamental rights.

“The court, as the last hope of the citizen, has made a pronouncement on the legal rights and obligations of citizen Godwin Emefiele, it behooves all agencies of government to obey the order of the court until such order is set aside by an appellate court,” the senior lawyers said in a letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Credibility of the Allegation

Some political analysts have observed that the allegation of financing terrorist activities leveled against the CBN Governor may yet be a time-proven ploy used by the State to unlawfully remove some persons from office.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, noted that a former Governor of the Bank Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was ousted from office in a similar manner four months before his due retirement date after he was accused of “financial recklessness, misconduct and far-reaching irregularities”.

Speaking during a Channels TV program, Falana noted that Sanusi was equally accused of terrorism financing and was arrested after returning to the country from Niamey, Niger Republic, where he attended the meeting of the Governor of the Central Bank in West Africa.

“He challenged the government at the Federal High Court and low and behold, in the counter-affidavit filed by the State Security Service, it was alleged that he was being investigated for terrorism financing.

“He won the case according to the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Buba. The allegation of terrorism financing was an afterthought designed to

In the same way, the Center for Financial Surveillance and Illicit Transaction Tracking Group (CSITT) said that Nigeria risked being blacklisted by the Egmont Group, in the face of the allegations against Emefiele, which it insinuated was not unconnected with the new cash withdrawal policy of the apex bank.

The director of CSITT, John Dimu, said in a statement that the plot to remove the CBN Governor for political and pecuniary reasons, was not only a huge shame but against the ethics of the Egmont group to which Nigeria was a member.

The President of Middle Belt Youth Vanguard, Godwin Meliga, who incidentally was arrested about a week ago by operatives of the State Service had hailed the decision of the CBN to redesign the highest denominations of the naira, a development he said would put a stop to money laundering, vote buying, ransom taking and counterfeiting.

Meliga noted that the policy would also put more money in the vaults of the banks with which they can use to finance the formal sector for the benefit of the economy, as well as improve the chances of a free and fair election.

His wife disclosed that the men of the Service had been on his trail and earlier arrested one Samson Babalola who was said to be driving Meliga’s car.

She added that family contacts within the Service had confirmed to them that her husband was arrested for causing the Service untold embarrassment through the exposure of the plot to frame the CBN Governor.

It is believed that Emefiele may not be arrested by the SSS in view of the subsisting restraining court order but might be compelled to voluntarily resign his appointment in the coming days.

January 17, 2023
CBN gov, Emefiele not arrested, DSS speaks

The Directorate of State Security has reacted to the news earlier in the day of the alleged invasion of the headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), by the operatives of the Service (SSS ), saying it had not made any move to arrest the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

TheNewsGuru can confirm that as at 7 pm the CBN Governor who has held a series of meetings with staff earlier in the day was still at his desk.

In an earlier statement, the head of corporate affairs, Osita Nwanisobi, stated that Emefiele resumed duty Today after his annual leave.

The statement reads: “The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Ernefiele, has resumed duty after his annual vacation abroad. Mr. Emefiele, who proceeded on leave in December 2022, resumed work today, Monday, January 16, 2023.

“The Governor resumed with renewed vigour to perform his duty ahead of the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the year scheduled for January 23 to 24, 2023.

“Mr. Emefiele remains committed to performing the task before him in line with his oath of office and the policy direction of President Muhammad Buhari.

While thanking the public for keeping faith with the Bank, we urge Nigerians to continue to support the policies of the Bank aimed at ensuring a stable financial system and the Nigerian economy in general.”

Recall that there has been a running battle between the DSS and Emefiele over alleged terrorism financing against the latter.

In their statement the DSS said:

CBN, NOT INVADED BY DSS

The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to the false news making the round that its operatives invaded the Central Bank of Nigeria and arrested its Governor, today 16/1/23. This is fake news and quite misleading.

Peter Afunanya PhD, fsi
Public Relations Officer
Department of State Services
National Headquarters
Abuja
16th January, 2023

January 16, 2023
BREAKING: DSS storms CBN headquarters to arrest Godwin Emefiele

The operatives of the State Security Service (SSS ), on Monday afternoon, invaded the headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to arrest the embattled governor of Nigeria’s apex bank, Godwin Emefiele.

Recall that there has been a running battle between the DSS and Emefiele over alleged terrorism financing against the latter.

DSS had earlier sought a court order to arrest Emefiele who has been out of the country for his annual leave.

However, the FCT High Court had in December 2022 barred the secret service from arresting, inviting, or detaining Emefiele.

Today the DSS operatives stormed the premises of the CBN with about 20 vehicles filled up with a team of security men.

January 16, 2023
Updated: EFCC Releases Doyin Okupe, says he was arrested by mistake

The former Campaign DG of Peter Obi, Doyin Okupe has been released by the DSS.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the medical doctor turned politician was nabbed earlier in the day on his way to London for medical check up.

The DSS according to Okupe’s tweet claimed he was mistakenly arrested.

He revealed in a tweet that he was on his way for his medicals when the incident happened.

See tweet below:

I was arrested & detained @ the MM int airport, Lagos this morning 12th Jan on my way to UK for medicals yrs of my passport being withheld by the FHC Abuja.I hv just left the efcc office where snr officers in lagos& Abuja appologised to me for the error. OCCUPATIONAL HAZZARD abi

January 12, 2023
Just In: DSS Nabs Doyin Okupe at Lagos Airport

Doyin Okupe, the immediate past Director General of the Labour Party, has reportedly been nabbed by the Department of State Service, DSS, at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed Airport.

On Thursday, one of his lawyers, Tolu Babaleye, revealed this on Facebook.

Okupe, he said, was on his way to London.

He claimed that the DSS asked him to provide court processes in which he paid the fine option following his conviction for money laundering by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The lawyer demanded that his client be released immediately.

“The reason according to source is that he was asked to produce evidence that the Federal High Court Abuja has freed him from the case in which he was convicted and paid fine to the knowledge of the whole world and was allowed to go home.

Details shortly…

January 12, 2023
Fomer Labour Party campaign DG, Doyin Okupe arrested by DSS

The Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested the former Director General of the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Doyin Okupe at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

Tolu Babalaye, one of his lawyers, confirmed his arrest on Thursday.

Tolu said Okupe was on his way to London when the DSS asked him to provide court processes where he paid the fine option following his, money laundering conviction by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Thenewsguru reports that a court judgement found Okupe guilty of charges levied against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

January 12, 2023
Godwin Emefiele: AFBA urges DSS to respect rule of law

The Human and Constitutional Rights Committee of the African Bar Association has registered their displeasure over the ongoing drama between the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria concerning sundry issues allegedly bothering on State security, Corruption and politics.

The body frowns at the way and manner the DSS is handling allegations leveled against the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele.

According to the central lawyers, the DSS should respect the rule of law and allow justice take its course on the allegations leveled against Emefiele.

Addressing journalist at an event in Lagos, the Chairman of the HRCC, Sonnie Ekwonusi ESq. who spoke on behalf of the central lawyers, noted that not respecting rule of law has got far reaching implications that could hamper democracy.

Continuing, he added that, sacrificing the rule of law and doing things their own way might derail governance in the country and could affect human rights.

Ekwonusi reiterated that the courts are there to interpret laws and settle dispute, saying that the DSS should abide by that tenets.

He noted that the matter at hand is in court and the DSS should allow justice take it course on it.

The lawyer added that the court already ruled that the evidence presented before it is not substantive enough to get the CBN Governor arrested and detained.

He said ‘’While the association would have ordinarily regarded this as a domestic issue involving Nigeria, which can adequately be dealt with by the Local Bar Association and civil process of Law and Human rights which is universal.

‘’Under the Nigerian Law the DSS has power to invite, question and detain any person who it considers have breached state security or is a threat to Nigeria’s security and the CBN is not above the Law

“However, the DSS opted to ask the Federal High Court in Nigeria to hand her the authority to arrest the CBN Governor which the court rejected on the grounds that there was insufficient information amongst others, that ought to put the DSS on it toes that if needed to do more homework or walk the road on her own

‘’We are similarly aware that a civil Society Organization following the steps of the DSS approached the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria, which ordered that the CBN Governor should not be arrested, questioned or detained until the matter in court is heard and determined .

‘’Our committee believe that all these represents the rule of law at work and must be followed with logical conclusion.

“In conclusion we advise that in this case, the matter is sub-judiced and parties to this controversy must respect the appropriate court orders and stop and acts that will create an impression that there is more to this than the DSS is carrying out her legitimate duties”

However, the AFBA made it clear that it wasn’t holding brief for either of the two parties but only asking that the DSS allow the rule of law and justice take it course on the matter that’s still in the court of law.

January 10, 2023
BREAKING: DSS raises alarm of plots to smear DG, Yusuf Bichi

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm of plots by some unnamed politicians to smear Yusuf Bichi, its Director-General.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the DSS also raised the alarm that some of its key officials are not left out in the smear campaign plots by the unnamed politicians.

This is following reports that Aisha Bichi, wife of the DSS DG reportedly ordered the arrest of Abba Yusuf, the Kano State Governorship candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).

It was reported that Bichi and Yusuf had a confrontation at the gate of the VIP lounge of Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday night.

It was also reported that the convoy of Abba Yusuf caused traffic congestion preventing Bichi’s convoy from gaining access to the VIP lounge.

In a move to clear the ensuing traffic gridlock, there was an altercation between DSS operatives and the aides of the governorship candidate, which led to an exchange of angry words between Yusuf and Bichi.

The publication reported that shortly after Bichi threatened to ensure that Yusuf did not board his flight, Yusuf was barred from boarding an Air Peace flight heading for Abuja before he was arrested.

According to a source; “The DSS DG’s wife actually ordered the arrest of the Kano governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Abba Yusuf, and barred him from boarding an Air Peace flight from Kano to Abuja on the fateful Sunday night.

“The trouble started at the gate of the VIP lounge of the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano when the motorcade of the politician caused traffic which delayed Bichi’s convoy from gaining entry into the controlled area.

“The action really angered Bichi as her security guards started beating up people and hitting vehicles for blocking the VIP gate.”

However, all efforts to contact the spokesman for the NNPP candidate, Sanusi Dawakintofa, were not successful as his line was switched off.

The DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, confirmed Yusuf’s arrest. He added that he was arrested for a suspected breach of security and kept in custody.

“He is in custody. He was validly taken in for a suspected breach of security,” Afunanya noted.

Another source told Daily Trust that the DSS DG’s wife allegedly ordered the assault of one of Yusuf’s aides, who was filming the incident.

The source said; “The situation escalated after she told Yusuf that they will not board the same flight as earlier scheduled, and she spotted one of his aides, Garba Kilo, filming.

“They beat him (Kilo) up badly, and this is what probably made Yusuf insist that he will board the same flight with her as scheduled, which angered her more, and she ordered his arrest.”

January 10, 2023