Wike blocks DSS attempt to arrest Judge in Rivers (PHOTOS)

Wike blocks DSS attempt to arrest Judge in Rivers (PHOTOS)

- Governor Nyesome Wike in the early hours of today, October 8, 2016 stopped an alleged attempt by men of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Police to abduct a Judge at his residence

- Governor Wike stated that whatever the situation, the rule of law must prevail in a democratic setting

Wike blocks DSS attempt to arrest Judge in Rivers (PHOTOS)
: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (m) Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara (r), Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah (2nd right), Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Dabo Adams (l) and Member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Ihunwo in front of number 35 Forces Avenue after a failed attempt by the police to abduct a Federal High Court judge by 1am on Saturday 8th October, 2016.

Governor Nyesome Wike in the early hours of today, October 8, stopped an alleged attempt by men of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Police to abduct a Judge at his number 35/84 B residence, Forces Avenue, Port Harcourt, Legit.ng can authoritatively report.

The failed alleged abduction was led by Mr Tosin Ajayi, Rivers state director of the DSS and Rivers state Police Commissioner, Mr Francis Odesanya.

According sources at the scene, the security operatives blocked the entrance of the residence of the Federal High Court judge at about 1am on Saturday morning, claiming that they were acting on orders from above.

However, addressing journalists, Rivers state police commissioner, Francis Odesanya said the two security agencies were at the scene because they received privileged information.

Wike blocks DSS attempt to arrest Judge in Rivers (PHOTOS)
Security operatives and other Rivers people in front of number 35 Forces Avenue after a failed attempt by the police to abduct a Federal High Court judge by 1am on saturday 8th October, 2016.

Odesanya claimed he was at the scene as a peace maker. He declined comments on why the Police joined the DSS to abduct a serving Federal High Court judge.

In an interview with journalists at the scene of the failed illegal abduction of a Federal High Court judge by the Police and DSS, Governor Wike said it will not be under his watch that security agencies wiĺl be allowed to entrench needless impunity.

He declared that their reckless action portends danger to the nation's democracy, noting that he is convinced that President Buhari is not aware of the level of impunity being perpetrated by Federal Securiy agencies.

Governor Wike stated that whatever the situation, the rule of law must prevail in a democratic setting.

He said if the security agencies had a lawful directive to implement, they must follow due process .

According to him: "Not under my watch wiĺl I allow this kind of impunity to take place. That is why we are here. I don't know which judge they were detailed to abduct. I didn't bother myself to know which judge. All I am interested in is that, at this level, it is not allowed.

"He is not a criminal and he is not an armed robber. If the person has committed an offence, invite him. It is only when he refuses to honour the invitation that you can adopt this commando style.

Wike blocks DSS attempt to arrest Judge in Rivers (PHOTOS)
Number 35 Forces Avenue after a failed attempt by the police to abduct a Federal High Court judge by 1am on saturday 8th October, 2016.

"The Commissioner of Police is here, the Director of DSS is here. Their operatives cocked their guns and threatened to shoot me. I have never seen that before. Again , this is to tell you what we are facing . We know that more will come. For us in this state, we shall continue to resist it."

Governor Wike added: "It doesn't matter what it will cost. When you talk about liberty, sacrifices must be made. We are not trying to stop an arrest. All we are saying is that things must be done decently and in line with the rule of law.

"Rivers State is under siege. For you to see a governor out at this time of the day, something is wrong. A siege is an understatement. If this type of thing happens next time, the people wiĺl resist it to the last".

The governor stressed: "They are trying to do something funny in this state, probably to declare a state of emergency.

Wike blocks DSS attempt to arrest Judge in Rivers (PHOTOS)
The patrol van meant for the failed abduction in front of number 35 Forces Avenue after a failed attempt by the police to abduct a Federal High Court judge by 1am on saturday 8th October, 2016.

 

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
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Khadijah Thabit (Copyeditor) Khadijah Thabit is an editor with over 3 years of experience editing and managing contents such as articles, blogs, newsletters and social leads. She has a BA in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Khadijah joined Legit.ng in September 2020 as a copyeditor and proofreader for the Human Interest, Current Affairs, Business, Sports and PR desks. As a grammar police, she develops her skills by reading novels and dictionaries. Email: khadeeejathabit@gmail.com