By Nicholas Kalu, Abuja; AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday said its officers found “ incriminating”  materials in the home and office of Tukur Mamu, a negotiator for the release of the abducted Kaduna-bound train passengers.

Mamu was arrested on Tuesday by security operatives in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday en route to Saudi Arabia. He was deported but was arrested on arrival at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano by DSS operatives as “a person of interest.”

Spokesman for the Service, Peter Afunanya, said in a statement that military accouterments, large amounts in different currencies, and financial transaction instruments were found in his home.

He explained that the raid was carried out by security agents with valid search permission preparatory to his arraignment in court.

The statement reads: @So far, appropriate security agencies have executed valid search warrants on Mamu’s residence and office. During the processes, incriminating materials including military accouterments were recovered.

Read Also: Tukur Mamu in our custody, says DSS

“Other items are large amounts in different currencies and denominations as well as financial transaction instruments. While further investigations continue, Mamu will, sure, have a day in court.”

A staff member of Desert Herald told The Nation in Kaduna that the operatives brought back the two wives of the detained publisher.

The staff member, who asked not to be named, put the number of the well-armed operatives at 50.

He said, “I know they were there looking for incriminating materials they can use to link our boss to terrorism. But  I know he is sincere in rendering assistance to the victims of the train attack.

“They ransacked the house and carted away documents, phones, and laptops. Those in the house were ordered to sign a document that they did not read.

“They were about 50 of them who came with sophisticated weapons in Toyota Hilux, Highlander as and  Army vehicles.

“They returned the two wives that were with him but his sons, Ibrahim and Faisal are still with him in detention.

“I will say again, that they found nothing suspicious or incriminating both in the house and office but they seized our phones and laptops.

“After ransacking the house, they also went to the office to continue the search.”