Lawyer decries invasion, judges’ arrest by DSS
NAN-H-97
Arrest
By Ahmed Ubandoma
Abuja, Oct. 10, 2016 (NAN) An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr Paul Oshiemomoh, has decried the invasion and arrest of judges for alleged corruption by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Oshiemomoh said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the DSS has no powers under the National Security Agencies Act to arrest any judge, adding that the Act establishing the DSS does not empower its operatives to investigate allegations that have to do with economic crimes.
The lawyer said that the Police, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) were the only relevant institutions established by law to handle allegations of corruption.
He, therefore, cautioned the DSS against indulging in acts that could ridicule the Federal Government in the international community for failure to respect the rule of law.
Oshiemomoh advised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Judiciary to support any legitimate means used by government to fight corruption.
“Corruption is a deadly virus to our economy and whosoever is involved whether or not he is a judge, should not be shielded.”
The lawyer emphasised that effective synergy between the executive and the judiciary was the only way to succeed in fighting corruption.
“Whatever evidence they have against these judges, the DSS ought to have liaised with the head of the judiciary with their evidence and I believe the Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) will oblige them to come for further questioning.
NAN reports that the DSS had on Oct. 8 arrested two justices of the Supreme Court, three judges of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court over allegations of corruption.
Meanwhile, a DSS statement made available to NAN late on Monday indicated that the judges had been released on self-recognition. (NAN)
AMU/OSA/NKO
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Edited by Shittu Obassa/Nkechi Okoronkwo
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