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Tag: DSS

  • DSS arrests Shi’ites spokesman at Kano Airport

    DSS arrests Shi’ites spokesman at Kano Airport

    Department of State Service (DSS) has arrested the spokesman for Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement in Nigeria, otherwise known as Shi’ites, Malam Ibrahim Musa.

    Musa who is also the Editor-in-Chief of Almizan Newspaper, a weekly newspaper published in Hausa language, was said to have been picked up by the DSS at the Aminu Kano International Airport early in the morning yesterday while on his way to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah).

    A statement issued by Abdullahi Usman on behalf of Musa’s family, called for his immediate release.

    The statement said no reason has been provided by the authorities for his arrest even as he is known for his role in the call for the release of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky who was arrested by government in 2015 in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    According to the statement, “this is announcing the arrest of the Editor-in-chief of Almizan newspaper, a weekly newspaper published in Hausa, Malam Ibrahim Musa, by the Department of State Service (DSS).

    “Ibrahim Musa, who was with a family member, Binta Sulaiman, was abducted by the Nigeria’s secret police, DSS, at the Aminu Kano International Airport early morning on Wednesday while on his way to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah).

    Read Also: DSS arrests two women with 1,000 rounds of ammunition

    “Meanwhile, no reasons have been provided by the authorities for his arrest, even as he is known for his role in the call for the release of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), who was arrested at the wake of a clampdown and extrajudicial killing of about 1,000 of his followers by the Nigerian government in 2015 in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    “He was part of the campaign that got the Federal High Court judgment ordering the release and compensation of Sheikh Zakzaky, the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria, for which it is believed the security agents who lost in the case are displeased.

    “Human rights organisations, especially the Amnesty International (AI), had pressured the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru Elrufai, to publicly announce that his government had buried about 350 people killed in the extrajudicial killing in a mass grave at Mando village in Kaduna.

    “Ibrahim Musa is known to have been active in speaking against the acts of state terrorism, extrajudicial killings and marginalisation of a minority group of Muslims by the Nigerian Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    “He placed his life on the line to ensure justice is done and thousands of those arrested following the state managed mass murder were released by the government using available judicial means.

    “We wish to call for the immediate release and safety of Malam Ibrahim Musa whose only crime is standing against genocide and disregard to law and order perpetrated by those in power under the Buhari regime.

    “We also wish to draw the attention of the authorities and other stakeholders to the dangers behind extending the murder activities in which innocent men, women and children were extrajudicially killed by the immediate past regime, to the current regime of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu.

    “We want to believe that the current government of President Bola Tinubu would not want to identify itself with the abuse of democratic tenets, human rights abuse and intimidation through genocide perpetrated by the immediate past regime.

    “Hence, we reiterate the call for his immediate and unconditional release,” the statement read.

  • Sagamu killings: DSS moves to unravel masterminds 

    Sagamu killings: DSS moves to unravel masterminds 

    Security Operatives in Ogun State said there would be no sacred cows in the ongoing investigations into the causes and persons behind the recent cult clashes in Sagamu. 

    Sources in the Department of State Service (DSS), said the ongoing investigations are being conducted without bias, even as one of the sources added that suspects so far questioned in connection with the recent mayhem have given very useful information that will assist in unravelling the kingpins and their collaborators.

    A source close to the agency  confirmed inviting high-profile persons for interrogation, stressing that both the remote and immediate causes of the mayhem are being thoroughly examined, assuring the public that the agencies were determined to get to the root of the cult activities in the ancient town and its environs. 

    “We had questions for two individuals and we invited them accordingly. They were invited as part of our investigations into the cult killings. They honoured our invitations. They were thoroughly questioned. They have been released after we finished questioning them.”

    Read Also: Kwankwaso will remain presidential elections serial loser, says Ganduje

    “They provided very useful information that will greatly assist us with our task of unravelling the reasons and people behind the incessant cult clashes in Sagamu.

    “Inviting legislators or local government administrators must not be seen as an exception. We are focused on the task of ending cultists and cult-related executions. 

    “Our resolve is absolute and we will not be phased by snide talks. We have invited various personalities who are also bona-fide members of the community.

    “Remember, we earlier said that based on the directive of the governor who invited us to join in this exercise, there will be no sacred cows. 

    “We have broadened our investigations. We are working with resolve and determination and we are even widening our nets as we continue,” the source said.

    It was further learnt that more high-profile personalities are going to be invited as the investigation unfolds.

    The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, meanwhile has directed security agencies to get to the bottom of the Sagamu killings with a view to resolving the perennial crisis once and for all.

  • DSS establishes public relations, strategic communications directorate 

    DSS establishes public relations, strategic communications directorate 

    The Department of State Services (DSS), has established a new Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC). 

    In a statement by the directorate, this was part of efforts in sustaining its engagement with citizens and the public at large as well as deepening democratic governance, transparency and accountability.

    According to the statement, the erstwhile public relations officer, Peter Afunanya, is to head the new unit as the supervising director.

    He is also going to be in charge of the service’s public communications according to the statement.

    The appointment took effect from September 26, the statement indicated.

    The Service commended its director general,  Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for the initiative to undertake the expansion and particularly appointing Afunanya to pilot the directorate.

    Read Also: Court rejects Bulkachuwa’s request to halt ICPC, DSS probe

    The statement reads: “Afunanya comes to his new role with over 20 years vast and rich experience in Intelligence analysis, threat assessment, security administration, VIP protection/detailing, investigation, counterterrorism, open source intelligence management, background checks and security vetting, surveillance, security sector/intelligence governance, democratic accountability in law enforcement, educational research, peace advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, development communication, interagency cooperation/liaison, joint operations, teaching, public and media relations, reputation management, strategic communication, protocol and diplomatic affairs, writing, public speaking, stakeholder engagement among others. 

    “A Ph.D holder in Security and Strategic Studies which he bagged in 2019 from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Afunanya also possesses a Master’s degree in Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State from where he graduated in 2011. Similarly, he obtained a Master of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Uyo in 2009. 

    “Earlier, Afunanya graduated from Abia State University, Uturu, in 1997 with a Second Class Upper Division in English Language. He was a recipient of President’s NYSC National Honours Award for Outstanding Performance (1998/1999) Service Year; Edo State NYSC Meritorious Honours Award (1998/99) etc. 

    “Since his enlistment into the DSS in 1999, Afunanya has attended many courses in leadership, management, executive intelligence management, preventing and countering violent extremism as well as tradecrafts at the Service’s training institutions. 

    “Some of his foreign training programmes include Innovation and Strategy at Harvard University USA; Web investigation, City University, London; Security Management and Coordination, ARC London; International Conflict, USA; Counterterrorism and Strategic Communication, Switzerland. He has held many positions at the Service’s Headquarters, Commands and Formations, the last being the Public Relations Officer. 

    “He was a member of the Board of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Sub Committee of the Presidential Transition Council. 

    “He currently serves as a member of the Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy and Coordination Committee (SC/IPCC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). 

    “He is a Fellow of the Security Institute (FSI) and member of many professional bodies including Society for Peace Scholars and Practice (SPSP), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NiCarb), Institute of Chartered Administration of Nigeria, Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). 

    “Afunanya was a recipient of the DGSS Meritorious Award (2021). A

    strong team player, he is a patriot and committed community worker. He is married with children and loves photography, playing golf, volleyball, storytelling and writing poetry/short stories.”

  • DSS didn’t arrest Kano tribunal judge – Spokesperson

    DSS didn’t arrest Kano tribunal judge – Spokesperson

    The Department of State Services, DSS, has described a report that its operatives arrested one of the tribunal judges that ruled on the 2023 Kano State gubernatorial election as false.

    The DSS statement followed a statement credited to the Chief Press Secretary of the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature that the Kano State government believed that the judges who  handled the judgement of the Kano State Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal were intimidated and arrested by the security agencies.

    A report by PRNigeria, an online news medium said the spokesperson of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, denied the claim by the Kano governor’s spokesperson.

    Read Also: Sagamu cultists: Ogun Assembly member, six others in DSS net

    Afunanya said: “This is a very ridiculous statement. Arresting judges for what reason? It is not true, please.”

    Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Sanusi Bature said, “there is no reason why the DSS can arrest a judge without any suspicion. The DSS arrested one of the judges that delivered the judgement in Kano and I believe that is intimidation.”

    “Even this virtual judgement they delivered, we do not know where they delivered it from. Probably, they delivered the judgement under duress or whatever, I am not sure. We do not know the location from which they delivered the judgement and we do not know their condition because we could only see them on the screen.

    “A lot of things happened behind the scene and to our surprise, the person who was declared winner was not even joined in the case. Gawuna contested in the election, accepted defeat, and he congratulated Abba Kabir and said that he is not going to court.”

  • DSS set up panel to probe Garki market incident

    DSS set up panel to probe Garki market incident

    The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has constituted an in-house team to probe the incident between its staff and some members of the public at Garki Market in Abuja on September 7.

    On the said day an operative of the Service got involved in a civilian matter in the market where he fired some shots.

    Though nobody was killed in the incident, aome persons who sustained injuries are receiving treatment.

    The operative involved in the incident is being questioned by the police while the Service carries out its own investigation.

    Spokesman of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Thursday, offered to take over the treatment of those injured in the incident.

    Afunanya said this effort was not an admission of guilt as investigation is yet to be concluded.

    He said the Service believes that the victims deserve empathy, financial support and justice.

    The statement reads: “It would be recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier issued a statement in respect of a 7th September, 2023 incident involving its Staff and some members of the public at Garki Market, Abuja.

    Read Also:DSS arrests suspects for diverting palliatives

    “This is to further inform the public that the Service has constituted an in-house investigative team on the matter.

    “While the inquiry is ongoing, the Service has visited the two injured persons at the different hospitals where they are receiving treatment.

    “It committed to the payment of the medical bills and made required deposits in this regard.

    “To show sincerity of purpose at the time of the visits, the Service expressed readiness to move them to its world class medical facility in Abuja.

    “It could have undertaken these actions even if its staff were not involved.

    “Though these efforts are not, in any way, in admission of guilt (as investigation is yet to be concluded), the Service believes that the victims deserve empathy, financial support and justice.

    “While it is in regular contact with their families or guardians, it will continue to follow up on their recovery and progress.

    “However, the DSS reassures the public that the victims are upbeat and responding well to treatment.

    “The public may wish to note that the Service has not interfered with the investigation of the Police which is also detaining its Staff suspected to be involved in the incident.”

    “The Service’s position is not only to ensure justice for the victims, but it is in line with its avowed commitment to transparency, accountability and rule of law. Nevertheless, updates of this nature will always be made available till the matter is finally resolved.”

  • JUST IN: Again, DSS quizzes another CBN dep governor over alleged fraud

    JUST IN: Again, DSS quizzes another CBN dep governor over alleged fraud

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in charge of Financial System Stability, Aisha Ahmad, for questioning, The Nation has gathered.

    It was learnt she was brought in by the Service over the alleged fraudulent acquisition of shares in Polaris Bank, Titan Bank/Union Bank.

    Among other issues, she is being quizzed on how the $300 million to complete the acquisition of Union Bank was raised by Titan Bank, it was gathered.

    A reliable source said she was brought in for questioning but had been released.

    The source said: “Her name came up in an ongoing probe and it is not out of place to bring her in to clear up some issues.”

    The source however did not state details about the investigation.

    Read Also: DSS arrests suspects for diverting palliatives

    Ahmad was appointed deputy governor of CBN on 6 October 2017.

    She replaced Sarah Alade, who retired in March 2017. 

    This comes shortly after the deputy governor of CBN in charge of Economic Policy, Obiora Kingsley, was invited for questioning by the Service.

    It was gathered Obiora’s questioning was not unrelated to the probe of the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele over allegations of financial mismanagement.

    Emefiele is still in the custody of the Service.

    The spokesman of the Service, Peter Afunanya, did not comment on the matter.

  • DSS arrests suspects for diverting palliatives

    DSS arrests suspects for diverting palliatives

    The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has arrested some suspects over attempts to divert palliatives provided by the Federal Government to ameliorate the hardship caused by petrol subsidy removal.

    Spokesman of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement yesterday, said it received reports from some state governments relating to diversion or sale of palliatives meant for their citizens.

    Consequently, the service undertook investigations in that regard and recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects, he said.

    Read Also: DSS arrests suspects for diverting palliatives

    Afunanya said the suspects were handed over to the appropriate agency for disciplinary measures.

    “While this operation is ongoing in other states, the Service has for instance, intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives meant for the vulnerable in the place.

    “Among those suspects are officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices in the markets, notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold.

    “The suspects have, however, been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures.

    “The service, therefore, calls on members of the public who may have information relating to this emerging trend to report same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action,” Afunanya stated.

  • DSS arrests suspects for diverting palliatives

    DSS arrests suspects for diverting palliatives

    The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested some suspects over attempts to divert palliatives provided by the federal government to ameliorate the hardship caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

    Spokesman of the Service, Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Tuesday, September 5, said it received reports from some state governments relating to the diversion or sale of palliatives meant for their citizens.

    He said consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects.

    Afunanya said the suspects have, however, been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures.

    Read Also: DSS frees Ogun council boss

    He said: “While this operation is ongoing in other states, the Service has, for instance, intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives meant for the vulnerable in the place.

    “Among those suspects are officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices in the markets, notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold.

    “The suspects have, however, been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures.

    “The Service, therefore, calls on members of the public who may have information relating to this emerging trend to report same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action.”

  • DSS frees Ogun council boss

    DSS frees Ogun council boss

    The Department of State Security Service (DSS) has released the suspended Chairman of Ogun East Local Government, Wale Adedayo.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adedayo had dragged Governor Dapo Abiodun before the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), demanding the investigation of the governor over alleged mismanagement of local government funds.

    Read Also; Medical panel suspends four doctors till tribunal’s judgment

    Adedayo, who was also suspended by the council’s legislative house, accused Governor Abiodun of withholding the statutory Federal Allocation due to the state’s local governments since 2021.

    Following the development, the DSS invited Adedayo for interrogation and when he turned up for the invitation last Friday, he was asked to respond to the petition submitted to the command by the state government.

    It was gathered that part of the petition was that Adedayo was instigating widespread acts of public disturbance and chaos in Ijebu East Local Government.

  • DSS warns ‘plotters of violence’

    DSS warns ‘plotters of violence’

    There are plans by some elements – mostly politicians- to stir the public against the Federal Government, the Department of State Services (DSS) alerted yesterday.

    The agency warned those behind such plot to perish the idea as nobody, or group of persons will be allowed to subvert national security.

    In an alert issued by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunnaya, the DSS said those behind the plot intend to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies to provoking their supporters into staging violent protests.

    According to the agency, the plotters have recruited student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youths and disgruntled groups to ruffle public peace.

    Afunanya said in the statement titled: “DSS discovers plot to stage violent protests in the country”, that the intelligence reports showed “that the plotters include certain politicians who are mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action.”

    The statement reads: “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.

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    “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.

    “Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action.

    “Meanwhile, the Service has identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.

    “In view of this development, University Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Tertiary Institutions are advised to discourage their students from engaging in acts capable of derailing public peace.

    “Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order.

    “While the DSS is aware of Government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps.

    “This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans.”

    A security expert who craved anonymity hailed the Service for being preemptive, describing the alert as proactive and intelligence-led.

    The expert, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), said there was nothing wrong with the secret police giving the warning, noting that the same was obtainable across the globe.

    According to him, it is the core and constitutional duty of the DSS to protect the security and integrity of the nation through proactive intelligence.

    He said: “I do not see anything wrong with what the DSS has said. I do not see it as raising alarm rather, the agency has done its job in this circumstance.

    “People are bound to obey extant laws and constitutional provisions. We must follow due process in whatever we do. No one should take the laws into their own hands. If there are issues, people have a right to go to court to have it sorted. The constitution is very clear on this.

    “There are issues of good conscience, morality, public policy and these are very clear. Any aggrieved person should go to court and not heat up the polity.

    “We must, as a people, be ready and able to protect the stability, integrity and peace of our country. That is what the DSS is doing in their own way. They are being patriotic and preemptive. It is called proactively intelligence-led.”