Nigeria’s secret police Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday suggested that Godwin Emefiele has a connection with the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in January.

The former CBN governor last week was charged with illegal possession of firearms by the Nigerian government after a court nullified his detention by the DSS.

While his arrest and detention are being contested in court, the DSS on Tuesday claimed that Emefiele being represented by the same lawyer as IPOB indicates a connection with the proscribed separatist group.

One of Emefiele’s lawyers, according to the DSS, Maxwell Okpara, is also the legal representative of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu who is facing treason and terrorism charges against the Nigerian government.

“A Biafran Republic agitator and Outlawed IPOB counsel defending the suspended CBN Governor,” the DSS tweeted.

“Is IPOB defending one of theirs???? What a contradiction…..hmmm…what’s the connection? Is someone telling us something? May Maxwell be properly educated on points of law, please.” The tweet is archived here.

“Charge and bail, overzealous uninformed IPOB/ESN lawyer Maxwell Okpara mobilises other like minded lawyers against DGSS. Futile Efforts. Well, Nigerians, beware! This is in bad faith. Transferred aggression.” The tweet is archived here.

Four days ago, a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja nullified the arrest, detention and interrogation of Emefiele by the DSS.

The presiding Judge Justice Bello Kawu held that the arrest, detention and interrogation of Emefiele were in violation of the subsisting judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan.

The court also ordered Emefiele’s release from DSS custody.

In his reaction to the latest judgment, Counsel to Emefiele said Nigerians must celebrate the fact that Nigerian judges despite several acts of intimidation by security agencies and the some unfavourable conditions under which they work are bold to dispense justice not minding whose ox is gored. (The Guardian: Text, Excluding Headline)

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