The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Department of State Services (DSS

  • DSS denies accusing Bulkachuwa of bribery

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has dissociated itself from a media report, which claimed Chairman of the Presidential Election Tribunal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, was purportedly indicted for bribery and corruption by a certain Secret Memo of the Service.

    It stated the said Memo only exists in the imagination of the writers and should be roundly disregarded by the reading public.

    A statement by the DSS Public Relation Officer, National Headquarters, Mr. Peter Afunanya on Saturday accused the newspaper of publishing falsehood.

    The Service stated it has launched a detailed investigation into the controversies surrounding the said publication.

    The DSS warned: “It is the wish of the Service that it is left out of the maneuvers of politicians who are hereby advised to abide by the rule of law and respect the entire process of electoral litigations regarding the activities of the tribunal.

    “The Service will continue to collaborate with the media as strategic partners in nation building and admonishes practitioners to be lawful and professional in the execution of their responsibility.”

    It warned mischief makers intent on causing disaffection in the polity are should desist from such acts as the full weight of the law will be visited on defaulters.

    The management of Authority Newspaper, in a statement, apologized for the publication.

    It said publication was immediately withdrawn when the attention of the editors was drawn on the online platform publication on May 9th, 2019.

    Read Also: Court orders DSS to produce Dasuki

    “Immediately the Editor noticed the said unauthorised publication, he ordered a pull-down of the said story from our online platform, which was complied with even before his invitation to your office.

    “The staff member responsible was also sanctioned,” the newspaper in a statement by the Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief Mr. Madu Onuorah a copy made available to the Nation in Gusau Saturday.

    The Authority expressed an unreserved apology for the embarrassment the said story may have caused the DSS explaining “as a responsible media organisation, we have no intention to bring the DSS to disrepute, nor impinge on the integrity of the Hon. Justice.”

  • DSS denies tapping telephone lines of Nigerians

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied tapping the telephone lines of Nigerians.

    A political group had alleged that the DSS had tapped the telephone lines of Nigerians.

    But Mr Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that the organisation was committed to its professional ideals and would not engage in unethical conduct.

    He said the DSS had been criticised by unpatriotic citizens who fed the public with fake news and hate speeches against it.

    The spokesman said that the social media had been awash with wrong information regarding the operations of the DSS  that were misunderstood and misrepresented.

    “It is obvious that some merchants of violence are determined to use their platforms to misinform the public for their selfish and political ends,” he said.

    He warned mischief makers against misleading the public, adding that the law would catch up with them.

    “The DSS is a responsible organisation and thus professionally adheres to the ideals of intelligence and security governance expected of it in a democracy,” he said

    Afunanya urged the public to disregard the claims of the political group.

    He said that the DSS should be left out of politics to maintain its usual transparency and neutrality in the discharge of its mandate.

    The spokesman enjoined carriers of fake news and social media manipulators to always think of Nigeria.( NAN)

  • Revealed: PDP’s $3m per state cash-for-vote plot

    •Ex-INEC chief named in deal    •Peace Panel member romances opposition    •Party denies claim

    Security agencies have uncovered how the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has allocated about $3million (N1.8billion) to each state branch of the party, allegedly for inducement of voters.

    The cash was remitted before last Saturday’s postponement elections, but most state chapters were  finding it difficult to change the cash to naira because of the surveillance on Bureau De Change operators by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Also, the agencies have intercepted alleged  compromise of some officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), policemen and other security agents in some states.

    The intelligence report, including the alleged implication of a former top official of INEC, may be presented to the chairman of the electoral commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, by the security agencies.

    A former Resident Electoral Commissioner is believed to be neck-deep in the massive cash-for-votes plot.

    Besides, a member of the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has been fingered in “political romance” with the opposition, contrary to the mandate of the group.

    The popular thinking is that the PDP has hidden under the guise of “logistics” to allocate about $3million (N1.8billion) per state, which security agencies discovered that it was for inducement of voters.

    Based on the 36 states, about $111million (N66.6billion) has been deployed by the leading opposition party to influence voters.

    The intelligence report indicated that the money was different from the cash allocated to “compromise some officers of INEC, policemen and security agents in some states” which had been marked by security agencies.

    An intelligence source said: “ Reports so far have showed that the main opposition party has allocated $3m(N1.8billion) to each of its state chapters under the guise of logistics for the general elections.

    “But intelligence confirmed that the cash is for vote buying with about N400,000 devoted to some polling units out of the nation’s 120,000.

    “Some of the huge cash cannot be converted to Naira because of the surveillance on Bureau De Change operators by the EFCC and DSS.

    “And most banks have become circumspect in view of a similar experience in 2015 in which about N23.9 poll bribery cash was shared through their branches.”

    The source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, gave insights into the alleged compromise of some INEC officers through a former top shots of the electoral commission who had been engaged as consultants.

    The source added: “Detectives also discovered a ‘grand compromise’ of some INEC officers, policemen and others in some states. A former INEC top officer and ex-Resident Electoral Commissioner are implicated in the plans to compromise the nation’s electoral integrity.

    “These former top INEC officers were found to have played a key role in the recruitment of the ad hoc staff in some strategic states by using internal links/ surrogates in INEC to perfect their plot. Many officers in INEC, who were recruited by these former officers, are still loyal to them.

    “These ex-officers had infiltrated the system and could cause any sabotage of the poll at any point, if it does not favour those who hired them. This is why it is easier for the opposition to have every detail about the movement and actions of INEC chairman and his National Commissioners.

    “The intelligence report will be made available to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, especially as it relates to its field officers in some states.

    “As for policemen and other security agents, the appropriate authorities are handling specific cases. And these issues will be attended to before the beginning of the poll on Saturday.”

    Asked if the intelligence report has been made available to the National Peace Committee, the source said: “It is still an intelligence document as I speak with you now.

    Read also: Will litigants get justice at election tribunals?

    “The challenge we are having also is that a member of the committee has been fingered in a political romance with the opposition because of vested interests in some deals.

    “Notwithstanding, the government will decide on how and when to brief relevant stakeholders.”

    Reacting, INEC said it was unaware of the existence of a recording of the PDP corrupting its men.

    In the leaked telephone conversation, a top government official in Rivers State was heard mapping out plans on how to win the last Saturday’s election, which was rescheduled.

    INEC officials were said to have been settled to pave the way for the ruling party in the state.

    Besides, names of the officials were mentioned in the conversation, which include officials from neighbouring states.

    The government official could also be heard issuing out warning to kill any INEC officials who fails to cooperate after collecting money from the government.

    However, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, said the commission was yet to see the purported recording.

    Okoye, who was responding to inquiry by The Nation, said: “I have not seen the recording you are alluding to.”

    Also reacting, the PDP said the opposition party lacked the financial wherewithal to deploy such cash.

    Its spokesman Kola Ologbodiyan: “We don’t have such funds anywhere, but we enjoy massive support and goodwill of a greater number of Nigerians. As an opposition party, where can we get that money.

    “It was the same APC that mocked us a few weeks ago, saying that we were broke and that we could not fund our campaign. Now they have turned around to accuse us of spending such funds.

    “Is it not strange that a ruling party is now portraying itself as the victim simply because they have been rejected by the people?

    “Rather, it is the APC that has spent humongous amount on their campaign across the country and they are still spending. We have the figures and at the appropriate time we shall release them. For now, we are focused on the coming elections. So, we are very busy right now.”

  • PDP to Buhari: Stop shielding corrupt relatives

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to demonstrate his much touted integrity by allowing an open investigation of his associates and close relatives, who were mentioned in alleged looting of public resources.

    The opposition party accused Presidency officials of concealing malpractices by the President’s relatives with the recent attempts by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to gag a suspect who claimed to have engaged in illegal transactions with one Mariatu, a sister to the First Lady.

    One Amina Mohammed, who was paraded by the DSS about two weeks ago, had also mentioned name of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. David Babachir Lawal as a beneficiary of the alleged illegal deals.

    “Having reviewed all these issues, including the lame denials by those mentioned by the suspect, as well as the failure of the security agency to allow the suspect to complete her open confession, the PDP challenges President Buhari to order an open hearing into the matter, if, indeed, the Presidency has nothing to hide”, a the statement by PDP spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan said.

    The party also challenged President Buhari to immediately make public the report of the investigation of the former aide of the First Lady, Mr. Baba-Inna, who was arrested in September this year, over accusations of receiving N2.5 billion as donations from politicians, businessmen and women on behalf of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari.

    The statement continued, “Our party holds that President Buhari cannot be parading himself as Mr. Integrity while condoning acts of corruption by his associates and close relatives as well as a cabal in his presidency, which the First Lady had even alluded to, if he is not directly benefiting from those sleazes

    “The PDP also dares President Buhari to make public the official report allegedly indicting his Presidency on the siphoning of over N11 trillion in the petroleum sector, including the N9 trillion oil sleaze detailed in the leaked memo at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    “Furthermore, the Buhari Presidency should allow an open inquest into the alleged diversion of defence funds, including part of the $1 billion drawn from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) for purchase of military hardware and welfare of our soldiers, to fund his ill-fated re-election campaign.

    “The PDP also challenges President Buhari to make public the report of the looting of over N33 billion meant for the purchase of food for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as another N18 billion IDP fund, discovered by the Senate, to have been diverted to APC interests.

    “It is unfortunate that President Buhari has allowed the festering of sundry racketeering and abuse of fiscal process in his presidency, a situation, which casts a long shadow on his acclaimed integrity as a leader.

    “Unless President Buhari allows an open inquest on his associates and close relatives involved in alleged treasury looting, he lacks all moral standing to seek re-election by Nigerians, who have been bearing the brunt of his misrule in the last three and half years”.

  • Aisha Buhari dissociates self from fraud investigation 

    The Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday dissociated herself from fraudulent allegation being investigated by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    In a statement by her Director of Information, Haruna Suleiman, Mrs. Buhari also noted that she does not run businesses in her office.

    Read Also:Aisha Buhari to women: vote Buhari again

    She therefore warned that anyone that does business with another person in her name will be doing so at his/her own risk.

    The statement reads “Her Excellency, wife of the President of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has been following events related to investigation of a fraud suspect by the Department of State Services (DSS), and wishes to dissociate herself from all the individuals involved in the stated fraud case.

    “She wishes to state categorically that Mariyatu is NOT her SISTER and the so called Amina Mohammed is not and was NEVER her ASSOCIATE and is therefore not in a position to transact any business in her name or that of her office.

    “She wishes to further state that she does not run businesses in her office, therefore whoever does business with anyone in her name will be doing so at his/her own risk.

    “As for staff of her office, she wishes to state that anyone found to be engaged in fraudulent dealings, will face the full wrath of the law,” she added.

     

  • Dasuki asks court to excuse him from prosecution

    Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Dasuki has asked a Federal High Court to stop his prosecution on the grounds that the Federal Government has allegedly failed to obey orders made for his release on bail.

    Dasuki’s request is contained in his personal letter, dated November 12, 2018 which he addressed to the Registrar of Court 5.

    He is standing trial before the court on charges of money laundering and illegal arms possession. The charges were brought against him by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    The letter, titled: “Re: Unabated persecution of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” was signed by the ex-NSA.

    Dasuki, in the letter gave a brief profile of himself and detailed what he described as constituting his persecution by the Federal Government and its agency, the Department of State Services (DSS).

    He referred to five different orders for his release made, both by Nigerian courts and the Community Court of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which he said the Nigerian government has failed to obey.

    Dasuki said: “The restive to continue detaining me, against the several orders of court and in brazen violation of the Constitution, is wrongful and arbitrary. It has inflicted physical, emotional and psychological torture on my family and me.

    “The decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria is not only high-handed, it is also arbitrary and in violation of both domestic and international laws on human rights.

    “At this juncture, it will seem that the Nigerian Government is not inclined to yield or obey the orders of any court of law, whether domestic or international.

    “Ironically, the Federal Government still wants to ride on judicial wings to prosecute me. when it does not comply with the orders that proceed from the court, especially in relations to me.

    “At this point, I strongly believe that there must be an end to this hypocrisy and lopsided / partisan rule of law.

    “Since the Federal Government has resolved not to comply with judicial orders directing my release, it is better for the court to also absolve me of the need to submit myself for further prosecution.

    “Justice should be evenly dispensed, as opposed to same, being, in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

    When the case came up on Tuesday before Justice Ahmed Mohammed, Dasuki was absent in court.

    His lawyer, Victor Okwudiri drew the court’s attention to the letter by his client.

    Okwudiri said: “We were not aware of the letter until this morning when we got to court.

    “But what I could get from the letter when I rushed through it this morning, is that he is complaining about his plight in the custody of the DSS,” Okwudiri said.

    Responding, prosecuting lawyer, Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN) said Dasuki informed DSS operatives, who are keeping him that he would not come to court since he had sent a letter to the court.

    Okpeseyi added that although Dasuki could be compelled to attend court, the DSS operatives chose not to take such action to accord him some respect due to his status as a former NSA.

    The prosecuting lawyer argued that Dasuki’s decision not to attend court, but instead, chose to send a letter to the court, amounted to an affront to the court.

    He noted that Dasuki also failed to attend court on January 17 and April 10 this year.

    Relying on the provision of Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Okpeseyi urged the court to proceed with trial in Dasuki’s absence by directing the prosecution to call its witness, an application, Okwudiri objected to.

    Ruling, Justice Mohammed noted that he had, in a ruling on April 10 this year, directed the prosecution to file an affidavit stating the facts whenever the defendant, on his own decided not to appear in court.

    The judge said the affidavit must be filed convince him that the defendant willfully stayed away from court.

    Justice Mohammed noted that since the prosecution has failed to file an affidavit to also reflect the defendant’s absence on Tuesday, he would adjourn to a later date for the prosecution to comply.

    He adjourned to November 19.

  • We are not aware of Oshiomhole’s arrest by DSS – APC

    The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu has said that the party was not aware of the purported arrest and questioning of its national Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    An online newspaper had reported that the APC chairman was arrested and questioned for an alleged corruption issues arising from the last APC primaries and held for nine hours on Tuesday.

    The report also said the DSS gave Oshiomhole the option of resigning his position as the National Chairman, while he reportedly told them that President Buhari was in picture of all his actions and that he will only resign if the President loses confidence in him.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole, Amosun, Okorocha war of words escalates

    However asked to comment on the development on Wednesday, Isa-Oniru said “We do not have any information on this rumour.  More so, the Chairman is not around in the country to confirm or deny this. As soon as we have any relevant information, you’ll be updated.”

    On where Oshiomhole travelled to, he said “I do not have this information. I do know it’s a scheduled personal trip he could not make last week due to the November 2 deadline for the submission of candidates”.

     

  • Aisha Buhari’s ADC in SSS custody over N2.5 billion fraud

    Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the arrest of her Aide De Camp (ADC), Sani Baba-Inna over allegation of N2.5 billion fraud.

    The ADC is presently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Read Also:Aisha Buhari’s brother, Ribadu, others move to unseat Adamawa governor

    Spokesperson of DSS, Peter Afunanya confirmed that Baba-Inna is in their custody.

    “He was handed over by the Police and investigation is ongoing,” he stated.

    Aisha Buhari had alleged that Baba-Inna received huge donations from politicians and business people on her behalf and kept the cash to himself.

    She had urged the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to arrest and compel Mr. Baba-Inna to refund the money, estimated at N2.5billion.

  • 28 ministers in attendance as Osinbajo presides over FEC 

    Twenty eight ministers on Wednesday attended the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

    The ministers were those present in the Council Chamber when Osinbajo called for rendition of the National anthem by 11a.m.

    Read Also:Obasanjo, defections can’t stop Buhari – Tinubu

    The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah said the Christian opening prayer, while the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu offered the Muslim prayer.

    The turn out on Wednesday was unprecedented compared to the past FEC meetings chaired by Osinbajo at Vice President or Acting President.

    Osinbajo had last week Tuesday terminated the appointment of the immediate past Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura.

    On Tuesday, Osinbajo also ordered immediate overhaul of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

  • Why we must continue to defend democracy, says Saraki

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Thursday reiterated the resolve of the members of the National Assembly to continue to protect and defend the country’s democracy.

    Saraki stated this in Abuja while addressing the Chairmen and leaders of 45 registered political parties who paid him a solidarity visit at the National Assembly.

    Read Also:Saraki should resign as a matter of honour, says Sagay

    The Senate President told the party leaders led by the National Chairman of the Democratic United Party (DUP), Chief Perry Okpara, that as representatives of the people, lawmakers will continue to play their role to ensure the rule of law.

    He said that it’s also the duty of lawmakers to ensure that human rights are respected in the country at all times.

    Okpara had earlier told the President of the Senate that the visit was to show their solidarity with the leadership of the National Assembly for standing up in defence of democracy in the face of the recent siege in the complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Saraki said: “I thank you for taking out time to be with us here today. Thank you for the solidarity message and we truly appreciate it as it encourages us to further do what we are doing to defend democracy in our great country.

    “The big thank you goes to all Nigerians that stood with us and have come to support us here in the National Assembly because in supporting us, you are supporting our democracy.

    “We will continue to defend it. We will continue to ensure that there is respect for the rule of law and that due process is followed across the country.”

    Saraki further expressed optimism that the perpetrators of the siege to the National Assembly have learnt their lesson from the wide condemnation that continued to trail the anti-democratic action.

    He said: “It is our hope that those anti-democratic forces have leant their lesson in the last few days, to listen to the voice of Nigerians – men, women, boys and girls – all across the country, who stood firmly to reject their unconstitutional and anti-democratic action.

    “Their voice is loud and clear. I believe we must respect it. We must respect those that have made sacrifices for us to be here.

    “Some have paid the ultimate price and we must respect that and ensure that Nigeria, as a country, is a shining example for other democratic nations to emulate. We must not allow anything that will tarnish the image of this country and the democracy we have worked so hard to birth and sustain,” he stated.

    The leader of delegation, Chief Okpara, condemned the DSS siege to the National Assembly.

    He noted that as national leaders of political parties in the country, “we cannot sit by and watch our country slide into the Hobbesian state of anarchy, where life has become short, brutish and lawless.”

    Okpara added, “We unequivocally condemn the use of agencies of state – Nigeria Police, DSS, EFCC – to clampdown on the opposition and stifle democracy as demonstrated in the siege on the residences of the presiding officers of the National Assembly, the siege on the National Assembly, and the siege on the Benue State House of Assembly.”