Wike: DSS “manhandle” Rivers governor during nationwide raid on “corrupt” judges
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike reportedly got more than he bargained for on Saturday while allegedly barring security agencies from arresting a judge in his state.
The Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed it raided the homes of some “corrupt” judges across Nigeria but stopped short of mentioning the raid in which Wike reportedly interfered.
The governor said he prevented secret service and police officers from arresting a Federal High Court judge residing at Number 35, Forces Avenue in Port Harcourt around 1am on Saturday.
Wike — the chief security officer of the state — said the officers pushed him around and injured his hand during the shocking episode.
“Not under my watch will I allow this kind of impunity to take place,” the governor said.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“They are trying to do something funny in this state, probably to declare a state of emergency,” he said.
The raid was reportedly led by state director for the DSS Tosin Ajayi. He reportedly drove away from the scene after a crowd gathered.
DSS confirmed it raid the homes of judges with allegations of corruption over the heads. They allegedly perverted the course of justice in cases related to the aftermath of the 2015 general elections.
Two Supreme Court judges, as well as five other judicial workers were arrested late Friday.
