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Tag: DSS

  • DSS, Oyo NUJ pledge joint action against misinformation

    DSS, Oyo NUJ pledge joint action against misinformation

    The Department of State Services (DSS) in Oyo State has reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to address security challenges and curb the activities of fifth columnists.

    The State Director of DSS, Mr. Rasheed Adelakun, made this known when the executives of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, led by its Chairman, Mr. Akeem Abas, paid a courtesy visit to the state headquarters of the service in Ibadan.

    Adelakun described the media as a critical partner in national security, stressing that effective information management and responsible reportage were essential to sustaining peace and stability.

    He expressed concern over the increasing activities of fifth columnists, warning that their actions pose grave dangers to national security and peaceful coexistence.

    Read Also: DSS arraigns Malami, son on charges of terrorism, illegal possession of firearms

    According to him, the spread of misinformation and unverified reports could be exploited by such elements to undermine public confidence and social cohesion.

    Adelakun, therefore, urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties in the interest of national development.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Mr. Akeem Abas, had assured the DSS of the union’s readiness to sustain collaboration with security agencies to promote peace, security, and unity in Oyo State and across the country.

    Abas added that the NUJ would continue to sensitise its members on the importance of responsible journalism, fact-checking, and adherence to ethical standards, noting that accurate and timely information remains a vital tool in supporting security agencies and strengthening national cohesion.

  • JUST IN: ONSA, DSS, Kaduna govt rescue kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

    JUST IN: ONSA, DSS, Kaduna govt rescue kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

    …Gov Uba Sani visits victims, confirms return of 82

    A joint security operation coordinated by the Kaduna State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has rescued scores of worshippers kidnapped during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area on January 18.

    Governor Uba Sani confirmed on Wednesday that 82 of the abducted worshippers have safely returned from captivity.

    However, a credible security source disclosed that the number of those rescued in the operation was over 100, including children and infants.

    According to the source, the victims were freed through a carefully coordinated operation involving operatives drawn from the DSS, ONSA, and security assets mobilised by the Kaduna State Government.

    Bandits had invaded the church in Kurmin Wali during worship and abducted 177 persons, throwing the community into panic and grief.

    In the days following the attack, 11 of the worshippers reportedly regained their freedom, leaving 166 in captivity before the latest rescue breakthrough.

    Read Also: Battle for Kaduna Govt House

    Governor Sani made the confirmation during a visit to the victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.

    The governor sympathised with the victims and their families over the traumatic experience and assured the Kurmin Wali community that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.

    He expressed optimism that the remaining abductees would regain their freedom within a few days.

    Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State, stressing that no effort would be spared to ensure the safe return of every victim.

    He commended the DSS, ONSA, and other security agencies for what he described as gallantry, professionalism, and swift response in the rescue operation.

    The governor also urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies by volunteering timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations to restore lasting peace in the area.

  • Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Victims’ complaints against Tukur supported DSS’ probe, says witness

    Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Victims’ complaints against Tukur supported DSS’ probe, says witness

    An investigator with the Department of State Services (DSS) has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the complaints lodged by rescued victims of the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack against alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu, supported the agency’s investigations.

    The DSS official stated this yesterday during a cross-examination by Mamu’s lawyer, Johnson Usman (SAN), at the resumed hearing in the terrorism case filed against the alleged terrorist negotiator.

    The revelation by the witness, who is the sixth prosecution witness (PW6), was in response to a question by Usman, who had asked the witness to “confirm to the court if any of the rescued victims, including the wife of the Commandant, Jaji, made any complaint against the defendant to the DSS”.

    Responding, the witness, who wore a mask and testified behind a screen, said some of the victims filed complaints, including one in writing.

    At that point, the prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe of the Federal Ministry of Justice, interjected and complained about the mode of questioning adopted by the defence lawyer.

    Kaswe said that despite an earlier order of the court that the identity of actors in the case, including victims and witnesses, should be protected, Usman was framing his questions in a manner capable of exposing the identity of the categories of people in which the court’s order was made.

    But Usman argued that none of the names he called was a witness before the court.

    The lawyer averred that although the court actually made an order for trial in camera and for the protection of the identity of the witnesses, the trial should not be conducted in a manner that prejudiced the defendant.

    When he resumed his testimony, the witness said investigators interviewed six victims of the attack in the course of the probe.

    Read Also: NNRA partners DSS, police to enforce nuclear safety regulations

    On whether or not the six victims were interviewed in the presence of the defendant, the witness said no.

    He said the audio exhibit tendered by the prosecution was an extract of the transcribed WhatsApp conversation between Mamu and the terrorists.

    On whether or not his team interviewed a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.); Major General Idris Garba, and Hannafi of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), the witness said no.

    The witness confirmed that Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, Gen. Abdulkadir and General Jalingo were also interviewed, but not in the presence of the defendant.

    He said members of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) committee were not brought to the DSS facility and interviewed in the presence of the defendant.

    The witness gave Exhibit R8 (a statement made by the defendant) and had it read a portion where Mamu described himself as a publisher of a newspaper and a magazine.

    In another portion, the defendant also said he is a publisher, a media consultant and a journalist, from which he earned his income.

    The witness said investigators, including himself, investigated the defendant’s claims of being a publisher, media consultant and journalist.

    The PW6 said they also investigated the defendant’s claim that he was acting with the permission of the authority.

    He confirmed that the defendant’s request that every actor in the negotiation be brought together to be interviewed in his presence was not granted.

    The witness said he was not part of the search party and did not know if the closed-circuit television (CCTV) in the defendant’s office was among others valuables recovered from him.

    The PW6 said he was not among those who reviewed or watched the CCTV.

    At the conclusion of the cross-examination, Kaswe told the court that the prosecution would be closing its case with the sixth prosecution witness.

    Usman said his client was willing to reveal all that transpired and would elect to enter his defence straight away rather than first making a no-case submission.

    He said: “We want to put everything on the table. Let the whole world see. Let God also see.”

    Justice Mohammed Umar then adjourned till April 23 for the defendant to open his defence.

  • Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Victims’ complaints against Tukur Mamu supported DSS’ probe – Witness

    Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Victims’ complaints against Tukur Mamu supported DSS’ probe – Witness

    An investigator with the Department of State Services (DSS) has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the complaints lodged by rescued victims of the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna bound train attack against alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu, supported investigations by the agency.

    The DSS official spoke on Tuesday while being cross-examined by Mamu’s lawyer, Johnson Usman (SAN), at the resumed hearing in the terrorism case brought against the alleged terrorist negotiator.

    The revelation by the witness, who is the sixth prosecution witness (PW6), was in response to a question by Usman, who had asked the witness to ‘confirm to the court if any of the rescued victims, including the wife of the Commandant, Jaji, made any complaint against the defendant to the DSS.’

    Responding, the witness, who wore a mask and testified behind a screen, said some of the victims filed complaints, and one of them was in writing.

    At that point, prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe of the Federal Ministry of Justice, interjected and complained about the mode of questioning being adopted by the defence lawyer.

    Kaswe said that, despite an earlier order of the court that the identity of actors in the case, including victims and witnesses, should be protected, Usman was framing his questions in a manner capable of exposing the identity of the categories of people in respect of which the court’s order was made.

    In response, Usman argued that none of the names he called was a witness before the court.

    He added that although the court actually made an order for trial in camera and for the protection of the identity of the witnesses, the trial should not be conducted in a manner that prejudices the defendant.

    When he resumed his testimony, the witness said investigators interviewed six victims of the attack in the course of the investigation.

    On whether the six victims were interviewed in the presence of the defendant, the witness said no.

    The witness said the audio exhibit tendered by the prosecution was an extract of the transcribed WhatsApp conversation between Mamu and the terrorists.

    On whether his team interviewed a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.); Major General Idris Garba, and Hannafi of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), the witness said no.

    The witness confirmed that Sheikh Gumi, Gen Abdulkadir, and General Jalingo were also interviewed, but not in the presence of the defendant.

    He said members of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) committee were not brought to the DSS facility and interviewed in the presence of the defendant.

    The witness gave Exhibit R8 (a statement made by the defendant) and read a portion where Mamu said he is a publisher of a newspaper and a magazine

    In another portion, the defendant also said he is a publisher, a media consultant, and a journalist, from which he earns his income.

    The witness said investigators, including him, investigated the defendant’s claims of being a publisher, media consultant, and journalist.

    Read Also: NRC apologises for Abuja-Kaduna train delay, clarifies safety procedure

    PW6 said they also investigated the defendant’s claim that he was acting with the permission of the authority.

    He confirmed that the defendant’s request that every actor in the negotiation be brought together to be interviewed in his presence was not granted.

    The witness said he was not part of the search party and did not know if the closed-circuit television (CCTV) in the defendant’s office was among the other valuables recovered from him.

    PW6 said he was not among those who reviewed or watched the CCTV.

    At the conclusion of the cross-examination, Kaswe told the court that the prosecution would be closing its case with the sixth prosecution witness.

    Usman said his client was willing to reveal all that transpired and would elect to enter his defence straight away rather than first making a no-case submission.

    He said, “We want to put everything on the table. Let the whole world see. Let God also see.”

    Justice Mohammed Umar then adjourned till April 23 for the defendant to open his defence.

  • ‘Why we charged Sowore over false claim against Tinubu,’ by DSS

    ‘Why we charged Sowore over false claim against Tinubu,’ by DSS

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has said its decision to file a charge against online publisher and politician, Omoyele Sowore, was because of the security implications of the post he made on social media calling President Bola Tinubu a criminal.

    The DSS is prosecuting Sowore before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly making false claim against the person of Present Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

    An official of the DSS,  Cyril Nosike explained the rationale behind Sowore’s prosecution while being cross-examined on Tuesday by the defendant’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar.

    Abubakar, who played a video in court showing President Tinubu promising to protect the rights of all Nigerians, including those abusing him and calling him names, asked the witness to explain why the DSS decided to file the charge against his client despite the President’s promise.

    In response, the witness said his organisation filed the charge because of the security implications of the post made by Sowore.

    The witness said the video of President Tinubu, posted by Sowore on his social media platforms, was made in Brazil when the President went there on state visit.

    Nosike said he was not in Brazil with the President and did not personally record the video, which was also played in court again on Tuesday at Abubakar’s request.

    The witness said he downloaded the video when it was posted by the defendant, adding that he neither knew when the video was uploaded nor when it was made.

    The witness also said he neither knew who recorded the video nor 

    where the video was made in Brazil.

    Nosike said he did not interview the President regarding this video and that he did not also take any statement from the President to confirm if he was the person in the video.

    The witness also said he did not take statement from the President on the effect or otherwise of the video on him and that he did not know whether or not the President is aware of the post made by Sowore.

    He said he did not have before the court any defamation complaint from the President.

    The DSS officer, who said the President is the victim of the alleged post made by Sowore, said he is not aware that the DSS put Sowore on trial in 2019  for calling for a revolution in the country.

    The witness also said that is not aware that 2019 trial of the defendant is on the website of the DSS and is equally unaware that the defendant’s phone has been with the DSS since 2019.

    He said he did not know anything about a judgment of the court asking the DSS to release Sowore’s three phones to him.

    Read Also: Trial of Sowore over alleged cyber bullying of Tinubu resumes Jan 22

    At that point Abubakar tendered a certified true copy (CTC) order  made on February 19, 2024 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which the defence lawyer claimed directed the DSS to release his client’s phones.

    Justice Mohammed Umar admitted the document in evidence.

    Abubakar also tendered a flash drive containing some videos, including one where President Tinubu, dressed in Igbo traditional attire, promised to protect the rights of all, and another one showing now Ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, vowing not to accept any appointment under President Tinubu and calling him a drug lord during the last electioneering campaign.

    The video clips were later played in open court at Abubakar’s request.

    The witness said he did not know whether or not his agency carry out checks and screening of government’a appointees like judges, ministers and ambassadors.

    Nosike said he could not say why the DSS cleared Omokri, who called the President a drug lord, for ambassadorial appointment.

    Further hearing in the case resumes on February 4.

  • DSS nabs suspected sea pirates, foils hijack of crude oil vessel

    DSS nabs suspected sea pirates, foils hijack of crude oil vessel

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last Saturday arrested two suspected members of a band of sea pirates in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as they were fine-tuning plans to hijack a crude oil-laden vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, The Nation gathered.

    The men, identified as Geoffrey Atizara, 38, from Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state, and Divine Kelechi Unueze, 42, from Nekede in Owerri, Imo State, were nabbed at a hotel on Tenacious Street in Edepie, Yenagoa, according to sources.

    According to a source, preliminary intelligence, corroborated by the suspects’ confessional statements, said the men, along with other band members, were plotting to seize a vessel, abduct its crew, and steal its cargo.

    According to the source, Unueze was the financier of the operation, while Atizara was tasked with recruiting additional pirates.

    “The duo have admitted to being part of a high-profile criminal network operating in the Southeast and Southsouth parts of Nigeria, mainly profiting from sea piracy and kidnapping,” the source offered.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Africa’s top 10 biggest streamers in 2026

    “Given the sophistication and the resources at the disposal of this pirate band, this arrest has disrupted what could have been a major threat to maritime security in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea region,” one of the sources declared.

    Another source  said the DSS, in concert with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, has intensified intelligence-driven operations to curb maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

    “Recent successes include the interception of several pirate speedboats and the rescue of crew members from hijacked vessels off the coasts of Bayelsa and Delta states,’’ he added.

    The arrest of the two suspects marks additional successes by security agencies in the region, he added.

    Recall that barely a week ago, the DSS in separate joint operations with sister security agencies and forest guards rescued some abducted pastors and other individuals in Kaduna and Borno states.

  • DSS nabs suspected sea pirates, foils hijack of crude oil vessel, abduction of crew members

    DSS nabs suspected sea pirates, foils hijack of crude oil vessel, abduction of crew members

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday arrested two suspected members of a band of sea pirates in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, as they were fine-tuning plans to hijack a crude oil-laden vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, The Nation gathered on Sunday.

    The men, identified as Geoffrey Atizara, 38, from Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and Divine Kelechi Unueze, 42, from Nekede in Owerri, Imo State, were nabbed at a hotel on Tenacious Street in the Edepie area of Yenagoa, according to security sources.

    According to a reliable security source, preliminary intelligence, corroborated by the suspects’ confessional statements, revealed that the men, along with other band members, were plotting to seize a vessel, abduct its crew, and steal its cargo.

    Read Also: APC chieftain hails Gov Yusuf’s defection as turning point for Kano politics

    According to the source, Unueze was the financier of the operation, while Atizara was tasked with recruiting additional pirates.

    “The duo have admitted to being part of a high-profile criminal network operating in the South East and South South parts of Nigeria, mainly profiting from sea piracy and kidnapping,” the source offered.

    “Given the sophistication and the resources at the disposal of this pirate band, this arrest has disrupted what could have been a major threat to maritime security in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea region,” one of the sources declared.

    Another source disclosed that the DSS, in concert with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, has intensified intelligence-driven operations to curb maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

    “Recent successes,” the source disclosed, “include the interception of several pirate speedboats and the rescue of crew members from hijacked vessels off the coasts of Bayelsa and Delta States.”

    The arrest of the two suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa state marks additional successes by security agencies in the region, he added.

    Recall that barely a week ago, the DSS, in separate joint operations with sister security agencies and forest guards, rescued some abducted pastors and other individuals in Kaduna and Borno States.

  • DSS invites nominees for profiling

    DSS invites nominees for profiling

    • We won’t tolerate imposition of candidate, kingmakers vow

    The Department of State Service (DSS), Ogun State Command, has summoned the nominees for the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland to appear before it for screening.

    One of the nominees told The Nation that they were summoned to appear before the DSS office in Ijebu Ode yesterday when they ought to be at the palace same day and time.

    The Nation sighted a good number of the nominees entering the secret police office located at Igbeba GRA, opposite the NTA office Ijebu – Ode.

    A source close to the operatives of the DSS said the agency invitation was for the purpose of profiling the nominees.

    The source said: “Those individuals, who were reportedly needed by the Fusengbuwa Family, were expected to participate in the process. They are presently at the palace for screening by the kingmakers, and I hope this is well understood.

    Read Also: Alleged terror financing: DSS arrests ex-AGF Malami

    “It is important to clarify that the exercise was not placed on hold by the DSS or any security agency. Rather, the state government, through an official circular already in the public domain, directed that the exercise be suspended.

    “You should also be aware that prior to the postponement of the screening of nominees by the kingmakers, the nominees were expected to visit the DSS office for profiling. This profiling is a prerequisite for comprehensive vetting and involves filling out forms that provide information necessary to vet all communities involved.

    “The nominees were scheduled to come to the DSS office after the palace screening. The exercise was planned to run over several days until all nominees were covered. Invitations were duly sent to them through the Palace Secretary, requesting them to report to the DSS office for the profiling exercise.

    “However, while the nominees were preparing to come, another circular was issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs suspending all activities related to the Awujale succession. The circular, which is also in the public domain, cited several grounds necessitating government intervention.

    “Consequently, the DSS has decided to suspend the planned vetting as well. This explains why some of the nominees were seen around without the exercise proceeding.

    “It is important to stress that the DSS should not be associated with any misinformation. Any report or public communication should clearly reflect that the suspension was a government decision, not an action initiated by the DSS. Misrepresenting this can lead to serious consequences.

    “We are not attempting to control anyone’s narrative or suppress information. Our only concern is accuracy and the avoidance of misinformation. As professionals, once clarification is provided, it is expected to be respected.

    “In summary, the stoppage of the exercise was a government decision, not one taken by the DSS and there is no intention to gag the press or restrict lawful reporting—only to ensure that facts are correctly presented to the public.”

    The kingmakers of the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland yesterday declared that they would not tolerate imposition of candidate on them or the Fusengbuwa Ruling House by any person or quarters, stressing that members had been having sleepless nights to ensure the best nominee emerged as the next Awujale.

    The Regent of the Awujale of Ijebuland and Ogbeni Oja, Chief Sunny Kuku, who made this known while fielding questions from reporters in the presence of other kingmakers at his Igbeba GRA private residence in Ijebu Ode, said they were sieving through heaps of documents pertaining to the Awujale nominees when they received notification stopping the selection process by the Ogun State Government.

    Kuku, who is both the head of the kingmakers and Awujale Interregnum chairman, said consultations with the appropriate authorities had begun to ensure the process resumed again, emphasising that not just the Ijebu people, but the public were anxiously waiting to see a new Awujale.

  • DSS summons Awujale nominees as Ogun govt halts selection process again

    DSS summons Awujale nominees as Ogun govt halts selection process again

    The Department of State Services (DSS), Ogun State Command, has invited nominees for the stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland for screening, even as the Ogun State Government has again suspended the selection process.

    The state government, in a circular dated January 20, 2026, placed the process on hold for the second time.

    Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration had earlier halted the exercise on December 18, 2025, citing procedural errors.

    On January 6, 2026, the government directed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to resume the process and conclude it within 14 days.

    However, just as the Awujale kingmakers were set to select one candidate from the 95 nominees, the state government again suspended the exercise through a letter dated January 20, 2026, citing security concerns and the need to protect the integrity of the traditional stool.

    One of the nominees told The Nation that they were invited to appear before the DSS office in Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday, the same day and time they were expected to be at the palace.

    A correspondent of The Nation sighted several nominees entering the DSS office located at Igbeba GRA, opposite the NTA office in Ijebu-Ode.

    A source close to the DSS disclosed that the invitation was for profiling purposes. The source added that individuals required by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House were expected to participate in the palace process, noting that those currently needed were at the palace for screening by the kingmakers.

    “It is important to clarify that the exercise was not placed on hold by the DSS or any security agency. Rather, the State Government, through an official circular already in the public domain, directed that the exercise be suspended.

    “You should also be aware that prior to the postponement of the screening of nominees by the Kingmakers, the nominees were expected to visit the DSS office for profiling. This profiling is a prerequisite for comprehensive vetting and involves filling out forms that provide information necessary to vet all communities involved.

    “The nominees were scheduled to come to the DSS office after the palace screening. The exercise was planned to run over several days, covering all nominees. Invitations were duly sent to them through the Palace Secretary, requesting them to report to the DSS office for the profiling exercise.

    “However, while the nominees were preparing to come, another circular was issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs suspending all activities related to the Awujale succession. The circular, which is also in the public domain, cited several grounds necessitating government intervention.

    “Consequently, the DSS has decided to suspend the planned vetting as well. This explains why some of the nominees were seen around without the exercise proceeding.

    “It is important to stress that the DSS should not be associated with any misinformation. Any report or public communication should clearly reflect that the suspension was a government decision, not an action initiated by the DSS. Misrepresenting this could lead to serious consequences.

    “We are not attempting to control anyone’s narrative or suppress information. Our only concern is accuracy and the avoidance of misinformation. As professionals, once clarification is provided, it is expected to be respected.

    Read Also: Alleged terror financing: DSS arrests ex-AGF Malami

    “In summary, the stoppage of the exercise was a government decision, not one taken by the DSS and there is no intention to gag the press or restrict lawful reporting—only to ensure that facts are correctly presented to the public.”

    Meanwhile, armed security operatives drawn from the police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, and So-Safe Corps have beefed up security along Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway leading to the Ijebu – Ode palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland over concerns that some powerful interests are alleged to have infiltrated the planned meeting of the Kingmakers in a location within the facility ostensibly to foist a candidate on them.

    The Fusengbuwa Ruling House leaders – Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori-Ebi), Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman), and others had on Monday, January 19, submitted the list bearing names of the 95 nominees (candidates) to the kingmakers who were expected to meet at the Palace to begin the process of selecting one candidate out of the 95 nominees, but security operatives were sighted manning the entrance.

    A letter by the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dated 20, January, 2026 directing the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to halt further steps on the selection process of the next Awujale until further notice.

    “The state Government hereby directs that you convey this decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House immediately. The latter, particularly, should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process,” the letter reads in part.

    Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, Honourable Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, who signed the letter and addressed to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Chairman, cited security concerns and the need to protect public order and the integrity of the stool as reasons for the decision.

    “State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process. In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” he stated.

    The letter reads, “I write in respect of the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

    “As you are aware, the Awujale stool is a foremost stool in Yoruba land generally and in Ogun State particularly, where it is one of the paramount stools. Further, the stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba SikiruAdetona, who reigned for sixty-five (65) years, significantly enhanced the modern esteem and prestige of the stool. These realities place a lot of focus, attention, and scrutiny on the next Awujale and the process by which he emerges.

    “In this regard, the State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies, and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process. In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time.

    “In taking this decision, the government has had due regard to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empower it to ‘set aside an appointment of if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so.” Thus, given the reports at its disposal, the Government has elected to act proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order, and good government by halting the process in its entirety.

    “Therefore, the State Government hereby directs that you convey this decision to the Awujale kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House immediately. The latter, particularly, should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process.”

    The Nation reports that a prince already endorsed by the Oracle (Ifa) as the best candidate to succeed late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona and transform Ijebuland to a greater height was among the 95 nominees that emerged recently in the race for the throne of Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State.

    The Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, disclosed it after the conclusion of the nomination process at the Bisirodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, and expressed the hope that Kingmakers and the Ogun State Government would do well to select one candidate among the nominees that aligns with the yearnings of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, their ancestors, and Almighty God as revealed by the Oracle (Ifa).

    The Nation reports that Princess Oluwakemi Adetokunboh, Prince Adebisi Kadiri, a retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State, Prince Abdul – Fatai Arowolo of Aeron Construction, an engineering firm, Prince Olumuyiwa Adeyemi, Prince Okeowo Obafemi, and Prince Adegbenga Bakare were among the 95 nominees jostling to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Owoyemi, who is Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), revealed that the royal family had carried out extensive traditional research to decide to support one candidate among the 95, whom he declined to name.

    The list bearing names of the 95 nominees was endorsed by the quartet of the Olori – Ebi Fusengbuwa house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, his Deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, Vice Chairman, Professor Fassy Yusuf, and Pastor Bolarinde Salami (Secretary of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House), while the nomination process had in attendance officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, led by the Secretary to Local Government, Hon. Adebanjo Oke, as observers

  • DSS rescues kidnapped pastors, nabs three suspects in Niger

    DSS rescues kidnapped pastors, nabs three suspects in Niger

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State have rescued two pastors and a church member abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State.

    The victims, Rev. Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob and Suleiman Adamu, were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, at the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area while travelling through Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony.

    Receiving the rescued pastors, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the victims were safely rescued from the bush by DSS operatives during ongoing security operations in Niger State.

    Rev. Hayab commended the DSS for what he described as courageous, timely and selfless service to the nation, noting that the successful rescue brought immense relief to the church and families of the victims.

    He said the safe return of the abducted pastors had renewed hope that criminal elements could be defeated through sustained and coordinated security efforts.

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    The CAN chairman stressed that insecurity could only be effectively tackled through cooperation among security agencies, faith leaders and the general public, warning that criminals thrive when communities are divided.

    Meanwhile, DSS operatives of the Niger and Kaduna State Command in joint operation also arrested three suspects linked to the incident. The suspects are also involved in arms and ammunition courier and they operate along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.

    According to one of the suspects Kwalo, he disclosed that they transport the ammunition through motor parks and rural routes to evade security checkpoints.

    Also that they received a consignment from a courier at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and handed it over to Kawu, who subsequently passed it to Iro Malam Iro for onward delivery.

    Iro was said to have conveyed the ammunition from Tegina to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where it was allegedly delivered to an unidentified recipient after he was directed to use specific routes to avoid detection.

    Kwalo received N50,000 for collecting the consignment, Kawu earned N5,000 as a middleman, while Iro was paid N20,000 as courier.

    During interrogation, Kwalo claimed he was deceived into handling the consignment, alleging that the sender told him it contained tantalite, a precious stone, concealed in sacks of millet to prevent theft.

    Reacting to the arrests and rescue of the abducted pastors, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, SAN, said the operation reflected the commitment of the DSS and other security agencies to protecting lives and property.

    Shuaibu commended the DSS leadership for its sustained efforts, assuring residents that the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, remains committed not only to maintaining peace but to sustaining it.

    He urged citizens to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, stressing that security is a shared responsibility and that continued collaboration is critical to curbing criminality across the state.