The Department of State Services (DSS) has interviewed Aishah Ahmad, a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on June 9, 2023, and ordered to face a probe of the bank’s activities. A special investigator was appointed by the president to examine the books of the bank.
The DSS has been holding Emefiele in its custody since June and has also invited other senior officials of the CBN, including Kingsley Obiora, another Deputy Governor under Emefiele. Obiora was later released after being questioned. Ahmad was also invited by the DSS, but some online reports claimed that she was arrested.
However, a source close to the DSS told Daily Trust that the reports of Ahmad’s arrest were false and that she was only interviewed as part of the standard procedure for the investigation.
The source said, “All senior officials of the Central Bank are being interviewed by the DSS and the appointed special investigator.
The deputy governors are not exempt from this exercise and have all been called upon to provide essential information at different times. This is a normal process aimed at assisting the ongoing probe.”
A family member of Ahmad also confirmed to Daily Trust that she was not detained by the DSS and that she was home with her family.
The family member said, “Aishah Ahmad is safe and sound. In these times, it is essential to maintain clarity and rely on verified information only. Mrs Ahmad’s cooperation with the authorities is a demonstration of her commitment to transparency and due process. It is important that the public exercise discretion when evaluating news reports and avoid engaging with unfounded rumours or misinformation.”
The CBN plays a vital role in the nation’s economic stability, and it is imperative that the investigative process is allowed to run its course without interference or speculation.