SSS Releases Kingsley Obiora, CBN Deputy Governor From Custody

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Kingsley Obiora, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in charge of Economic Policy, after detaining him for four days in its custody.

Obiora’s detention was part of a broader clampdown on senior officials of the CBN, starting with the suspended Governor, Godwin Emefiele. During his time in DSS custody, Obiora was allegedly pressured to act as a witness against the suspended bank chief.

President Tinubu had appointed a special panel led by Jim Obazee to investigate the CBN in the wake of Emefiele’s arrest and prosecution on charges of financial infractions in late July. Deputy governors of the CBN and other senior bank officials have been questioned as part of the ongoing audit.

Obiora had been with the team of investigators inside the DSS premises in Abuja since Tuesday afternoon, where he faced pressure to provide information about his former boss, Emefiele.

It’s important to note that Dr. Obiora was not accused of fraud or theft. However, there were concerns that he was being coerced to admit knowledge of matters beyond his direct involvement or decision-making process.

These developments come in the wake of a broader investigation into financial matters at the CBN, with senior officials facing scrutiny as the government seeks transparency and accountability within the apex bank.