WE WERE NOT PART OF DSS INVASION OF JUDGE'S RESIDENCE..RIVERS POLICE COMMISSIONER

The commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mr. Francis Mobolaji Odesanya has denied media reports that operatives of the Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to kidnap of judge of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt in early hours of yesterday.

Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike had accused the the Police and DSS of manhandling him when he confronted them while attempting to kidnap a judge at about 1:00am yesterday.

But, Odesanya, who spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Omoni Nnamdi, said he led a team of policemen to restore law and order following heated argument between operatives of the DSS and policemen attached to the affected judge.

He said, “What actually happened was the operatives of the Department of State Security was there to effect the arrest of a certain judge and when they got there, argument ensured. Police were invited.

“The commissioner of Police led the team of policemen that were there. When the police got there, the argument was still mounting and mounting until the commissioner of Police in his wisdom pacified the situation and restored law and order.

“What would have led to breakdown of law and order was forestalled by the wisdom of the commissioner of Police. We were able to carry out our professional duty of protecting lives and property.”

Recall that Wike had alleged attempt by hundreds of DSS operatives and policemen to illegally abduct a Federal High Court judge residing at Number 35 Forces Avenue in Port Harcourt

He alleged that operatives of DSS rough-handled him, pushing him around and injuring his hand, while a few of the operatives allegedly cocked their rifles and threatened to shoot the governor.