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Tag: DSS

  • IYC commends Seifa for releasing DSS detainees

    …Calls for his confirmation

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide on Tuesday applauded the Director-General of the Department of State Security ( DSS ), Mathew Seifa, for making good his promise to review cases and release detainees held in the agency without trials.

    IYC also called on the Presidency to confirm the appointment of Seifa and make him the substantive head of the DSS.

    The Nation reported exclusively that the DSS commenced a process of granting freedom to suspects detained for some years without trials in its facilities in Abuja.

    Seven of the suspects, who were arrested in 2016 in Bayelsa State, were brought to Yenagoa at the weekend.

    They were brought from the DSS Headquarters in Abuja to the office of the DSS in Yenagoa and released to their family members and friends, who milled around the agency’s office.

    Some of the suspects were seen shedding tears of joy in the warm embrace of their friends when they finally marched out of the DSS facility.

    The suspects looked unkempt with overgrown bears, rough skin and dirty clothes.

    One of them, who identified himself as Clinton Ohaigbofa, confirmed that suspects held without trial were being massively released across the country.

    Read Also: IYC, Ohanaeze youths back pro-restructuring candidates

    Clinton, who hails from Ebedebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area, attributed the development to the disposition of the new DSS boss.

    He said they were held in underground cells in Abuja for over two years, adding that they untold hardship.

    The IYC in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Alfred Kemepado, expressed satisfaction and comfort with the recent strides of Seifa describing him as a true democrat.

    Kemepado said the recent release of persons detained in the custody of the DSS without trial gave hope and value to democracy.

    He, however, urged Seifa to look into high profile cases detainees like that of El-zazaky, the leader of the Shiites in Nigeria and dispense fairness to all.

    He said: “IYC has spoken to colleagues from other ethnic nationalities and most have expressed their confidence that Mr. Seiyefa will tackle the humongous security challenges facing Nigeria today from Boko Haram to the herdsmen palava and to recent activities that threatens our democracy”.

    Kemepado thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Osibanjo for considering a competent son of the South of Nigeria to head the DSS.

    “This is positively contrary to our earlier beliefs that the President disrespected us. We want to appeal to President Buhari to confirm Seifa’s appointment as we are willing to work with him and others to sustain the peace in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta especially.

    “We call on all groups to continue to support Seiyefa with information and prayers for the overall good of all. The IYC appeals to Seiyefa not to yield to the antics of politicians but to uphold the values of his service and also uphold our growing democracy”, he said.

  • DSS BEGINS MASS RELEASE OF DETAINEES

    •Seven Ijaw youths detained for two years arrive Bayelsa
    •We were held in underground cell, say ex-detainees

    The new leadership of the Department of State Security (DSS) may have started making good its promise to review cases of all detainees in its custody, according to indications yesterday.

    Seven Ijaw youths from Bayelsa State who were arrested two years ago and locked up in the organization’s cell since then were yesterday set free in Yenagoa.

    The agency’s newly appointed Acting Director -General, Mr. Mathew Seiyefa, told reporters at his maiden press conference two weeks ago that he would review the cases of detainees with a view to setting free those who are not supposed to be held.

    The seven Bayelsa men were brought from the DSS Headquarters in Abuja to Yenagoa at the weekend and released to their families who had gathered outside the agency’s office in the state capital to receive them.

    Some of the suspects shed tears of joy in the warm embrace of their friends as they walked into freedom.

    The suspects looked unkempt with overgrown beards, rough skin and dirty clothes.

    One of them, who identified himself as Clinton Ohaigbofa, said suspects held without trial were being massively released across the country.

    He hails from Ebedebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area.

    He said they were held in underground cells in Abuja and went through untold hardship.

    They were never charged to court, he said.

    Narrating how they landed in DSS detention, he said: “We didn’t do anything. We were arrested on May 24th, 2016. We were taken to the JTF headquarters in Opolo and were later transferred to DMI, Abuja.

    “After interrogation, we were transferred to Defence Intelligence Agency. On August 26, 2016, we were transferred to the Department of State Service, Abuja. We stayed there for over two years.”

    Reliving their ordeals in the DSS cell, he said: “They treated us badly. We were held in an underground cell. They gave us little bread in the morning, little rice in the afternoon and a morsel of semovita in the evening.

    “Each portion of food cannot satisfy a two-year old baby. They deprived us of everything. They didn’t even take us to court. There was no freedom to even see light.  They subjected us to severe punishment. They kept us hungry and deprived us of medication. Suspects are being released massively because of the new DSS boss. I don’t know the actual number released so far. But we thank the new DSS boss.”

  • After two years with DSS, reporter relieves ordeal

    I was blindfolded, held in underground cell, says Abiri

    Jones Abiri, a journalist and publisher of a local tabloid in Bayelsa State, The Weekly Source, yesterday relieved his ordeal in the Department of State Sevices (DSS) cell.

    Abiri returned to Yenagoa, the capital, and was received at the secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) by reporters and the leadership of Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO).

    He said he was arrested in his office and detained for seven days in DSS cell in Yenagoa.

    Abiri said he was blindfolded and flown to Abuja.

    He said he was kept incommunicado in an underground DSS cell in Abuja and denied access to medical treatment for about two years.

    Abiri, whose wife and relations were with him, said the hope that God would freed him one day kept him alive.

    He said: “Precisely l was arrested on July 21, 2016, in my office about 3:23pm. About 12 armed men came to my office and they came with a document, a search warrant that my office was under investigation.

    “When l perused the search warrant, l saw it was signed by magistrate, simply named Lucky. I allowed them and they searched my office. At the end of the search they found nothing. They handcuffed me, took my phones, laptops and other things. Things unconnected to my arrest were also taken. All my pay slips, banking information were taken.

    “They whisked me away to the state command. I gave my statement and after spending seven days in Yenagoa, they took me to Abuja. Initially, l didn’t know where l was going. My eyes were blindfolded. Since that time, l have not been giving the grace and the opportunity to see my wife, my children, sisters, brothers and friends.

    “My lawyers were denied access to me. I was in an underground cell, where when the light went off, you would not see the next person. I was also denied medical treatment. I thank God that the CLO and other rights organisation took up the matter and today, l am out of  detention.

    “If not because of the voice of the media and the CLO, DSS wouldn’t have taken me to court. I was given one count charge that l sent threat messages to Agip Nigeria Limited and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) demanding money.

    “But l said l knew nothing about that because l had no connection with oil companies. But they insisted l was the one. But l kept on holding onto my creator. Now the matter is court”.

    Abiri assured the DSS and the person who signed his bail bond that he would not jump bail, optimistic he win win the case.

    “They were thinking that l would jump bail. But l am ready and very resilient to face my trial. I am emphatic and believing God that l am going to win the case. I am not scared of them. Dr. Ambassador Godknows Igali and Fredrick Andy came to my rescue to sign the bail bonds without fear. They stuck their neck. So, l will not jump bail”, he said.

    He added that following his experience, he had concluded plans to write a book: My Prison Journey.

    He thanked the Press Unlimited, an organisation in Netherlands for donating  €2000 amounting to about N450,000, which facilitated his freedom.

    He said the organisation knew about his case through an environmental activist, Alagoa Morris, and Peter Ikanga.

    Abiri said he filed a suit to enforce his rights at the Federal High Court, Abuja, adding that the matter will come up on August 27.

    “If l am a militant, Niger Delta will know that l am a militant. But l am not a militant. If I were a militant, l wouldn’t have owned an office to be doing my newspaper work. I should have been in the creek. I have already filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja to enforce my fundamental human rights”, he said.

    Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Chairman, CLO, Chief Nengi James, thanked all the stakeholders, who contributed for the release of Abiri.

    He, however, asked security agencies especially the DSS to stop persecution of the Ijaw and Niger Delta people.

    James lamented that over 50 persons from the region were being held in detention without trial and called on the DSS to follow the process of law and grant them freedom.

    Also speaking, the Bayelsa Chairman, NUJ, Mr. John Angese, said Abiri is a bonafide journalist in the state saying his experience in DSS detention would make him stronger in his profession.

    Chairmen of the Bayelsa Federated Newspapers Publishers Association (BAFENPA) and Bayelsa Independent Publishers Association (BIPA) in their various remarks asked the DSS to respect the rule of law in its operations.

  • Jones Abiri returns to Bayelsa, relieves ordeal

    ‘I was blindfolded, held in underground DSS cell’ says Abiri

     

    Jones Abiri, a journalist and publisher of a local tabloid in Bayelsa State, the Weekly Source, on Tuesday returned to Yenagoa, the state capital, and relieved his ordeal in the hands of the Department for State Security (DSS).

    Abiri, who was received at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) by journalists and leadership of the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) said he was arrested in his office, detained for seven days in DSS cell in Yenagoa and later blindfolded and flown to Abuja.

    He said he was kept incommunicado in an underground DSS cell in Abuja and denied access to medical treatment for about two years.

    Abiri, who was also received by his wife and family members, said the hope that God would grant him freedom one day kept him alive throughout the period of his incarceration.

    He said: “Precisely l was arrested on July 21st, 2016 in my office at about 3:23pm. About 12 armed men came to my office and they came with a document, a search warrant that my office was under investigations.

    “When l perused the search warrant, l saw it was signed by one Magistrate Lucky. I allowed them and they searched my office. At the end of the search they found nothing. They handcuffed me, took my phones, laptops and other things. Things unconnected to my arrest were also taken. All my pay slips, banking information were taken.

    “They whisked me away to the state command. I gave my statement and after spending seven days in Yenagoa, they took me to Abuja. Initially, l didn’t know where l was going. My eyes were blindfolded. Since that time, l have not been giving the grace and the opportunity to see my wife, my children, sisters, brothers and friends.

    “My lawyers were denied access to me. I was in an underground cell, where when the light went off, you would not see the next person. I was also denied medicals. I thank God that the CLO and other rights organization took up the matter and today l am out of detention.

    “If not because of the voice of the media and the CLO, DSS wouldn’t have taken me to court. I was given one count charge that l sent threat messages to Agip Nigeria Limited and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) demanding money.

    “But l said l knew nothing about that because l had no connection with oil companies. But they insisted l was the one. But l kept on holding onto my creator. Now the matter is court”.

    Abiri assured the DSS and person who signed his bail bond that he would not jump bail expressing optimism that he would win the case.

    “They were thinking that l would jump bail. But l am ready and very resilient to face my trial. I am emphatic and believing God that l am going to win the case. I am not scared of them. Dr. Ambassador Godknows Igali and Fredrick Andy came to my rescue to sign the bail bonds without fear. They stuck their neck. So, l will not jump bail”, he said.

    He added that following his experience in detention, he had concluded plans to write a book to be entitled, My Prison Journey.

    He thanked the Press Unlimited, an organisation in Netherlands for donating €2000 amounting to about N450,000 which facilitated his freedom.

    He said though he knew nothing about the organisation, it came to his rescue through an environmental activist, Alagoa Morris and Peter Ikanga.

    Abiri disclosed that he had filed a suit to enforce his fundamental human rights at the Federal High Court, Abuja adding that the matter would come up for hearing on August 27th.

    “If l am a militant, Niger Delta will know that l am a militant. But l am not a militant. If I were a militant, l wouldn’t have owned an office to be doing my newspaper work. I should have been in the creek. I have already filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja to enforce my fundamental human rights”, he said.

    Read Also: The case for Jones Abiri

    Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Chairman, CLO, Chief Nengi James, thanked all the stakeholders, who contributed for the release of Abiri.

    He, however, asked security agencies especially the DSS to stop persecution of the Ijaw and Niger Delta people.

    James lamented that over 50 persons from the region were being held in detention without trial and called on the DSS to follow the process of law and grant them freedom.

    Also speaking, the Bayelsa Chairman, NUJ, Mr. John Angese, said Abiri is a bonafide journalist in the state saying his experience in DSS detention would make him stronger in his profession.

    Chairmen of the Bayelsa Federated Newspapers Publishers Association (BAFENPA) and Bayelsa Independent Publishers Association (BIPA) in their various remarks asked the DSS to respect the rule of law in its operations.

  • CAN urges DSS, police, military, others to shun partisanship

    The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged security operatives involved in the conduct of elections not to be biased.

    It said if the advice was taken, it would be for the development of the country.

    CAN enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make sure eligible voters were allowed to register, adding: “They should go and study how elections are conducted in a country like Ghana under a free and fair atmosphere that is better than ours. We frown at the vote-buying culture, which has characterised recently-conducted elections. It is a shame of international proportion.”

    A statement by the Special Assistant (Media & Communications) to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, said CAN rejoiced with Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. It said: “We wish to caution the Police, Department of Security Services, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies involved in the conduct of election to shun partisanship. They should remain apolitical for the sake of the country. After all, leaders will come and go, but Nigeria will remain.

    “As we are in another election year, we enjoin our politicians to stop vote buying, violence, blood-letting and other evils associated with campaign and election. It is regrettable to note that many of our politicians are not aspiring to serve, but to amass wealth at our expense. This is why election has become a do-or-die affair. If a party fulfils what was promised, violence, force and intimidation will not be needed to retain the seat.”

  • DSS appoints spokesman

    Acting Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS) Mr. Matthew Seiyefa has appointed a spokesman for the agency.

    He is Mr. P. N. Afunanya.

    Since the exit of Ms Marilyn Ogar, who served as DSS spokesperson under the administration of Mr. Ita Ekpenyong at the agency three years ago, the DSS under Mr. Lawal Daura issued statements with the name of a pseudo character, Tony Opuiyo, whom none of the journalists covering the DSS headquarters in Abuja had ever met.

    A statement from the DSS Public Relations Department yesterday said that Mr. Afunanya was replacing Mr. Tony Opuiyo.

    The statement said Afunanya was the editor of the DSS’ in-house magazine, “The Triple S” – a publication which did not find favour under Daura.

    “He has attended several courses within and outside Nigeria, namely Innovation and Strategy at Harvard University, Boston, USA; Security Management and Coordination, London and Investigative Journalism at City University, London.

     

     

     

  • DSS gets new spokesman

    The Acting Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, has approved appointment of a veteran public relations practitioner, Mr. P. N. Afunanya as the agency’s spokesman.

    Since the exit of Ms Marilyn Ogar who served as DSS spokesperson during the stint of Mr. Ita Ekpenyong at DSS three years ago, the agency under Lawal Daura used a pseudo character, Tony Opuiyo, as its spokesman.

    Nonetheless, a statement from the DSS Public Relations Department stated on Thursday that Mr. Afunanya is replacing Opuiyo.

    According to the statement, Afunanya was the Editor of the DSS’ in-house magazine, “The Triple S” – a publication which did not find favour under Daura.

    The statement said: “He has attended several courses within and outside Nigeria namely: Innovation and Strategy at Harvard University, Boston, USA; Security Management and Coordination, London and Investigative Journalism at City University, London.

    “Other courses he attended are on Leadership, Arbitration, Conflict Management/Resolution, Negotiation and Public Communication among others.”

    According to the statement, Afunanya who is currently pursuing a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies at the Nassarawa State University, Keffi, has a Masters degree in English and another Masters in Peace and Strategic Studies.

    He also belongs to the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NiCarb), Nigerian Red Cross (NRC), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Nigerian Institute for Industrial Security (NIIS), Society for Peace Scholars and Practice (SPSP), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) and he is a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration (ICA).

     

     

     

     

     

  • Video of cash recovery, items in Daura’s home fake, says DSS

    The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday denied that cash, weapons and electoral items were recovered from the home of the agency’s former Director-General Lawal Daura.

    A trending online video indicating that N21 billion cash, weapons and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were found in Daura’s Abuja and Katsina homes was being circulated yesterday.

    But, in a statement in Abuja, the DSS said the various biased and conflicting interpretations of last week’s incident at the National Assembly were being disseminated by various interest groups.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to the circulation of fake information and videos in which several items were said to have been recovered from the Katsina and Abuja homes of its immediate past Director-General, Lawal Daura.

    “These non-existent items include: twenty-one billion Naira cash, 400   assorted   and   sophisticated   small   arms   and   light weapons/rifles and thousands of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) belonging to Niger Republic immigrants.

    “In another video also in circulation, some persons believed to be personnel of a security outfit were seen forcing open safes stocked with money.

    “The security operatives were described as executing a recovery operation at the Katsina home of the former DG of DSS.

    “Consequently, the Service wishes to inform the public that these videos are false and should be disregarded.

    “So far, no such recovery operations have been undertaken by the EFCC or any other security agency at DSS’ office or residences of the former director-general”, it stated.

    According to the DSS, instead of further spreading such fake news, Nigerians should await the official outcome of the Presidential investigation of last week’s incident at the National Assembly, which various antagonists have misinterpreted to suit their interests.

    It said: “There is no doubt that different interests have continued to give varied accounts of the incident of last week at the National Assembly.

    “It may, however, be recalled that the Presidency had pledged to carry out a detailed investigation regarding the alleged National Assembly siege.

    “The public is, therefore, advised to exercise restraint in their narration of events and as such,   desist from spreading fake news   or engaging in activities that may mislead or further cause a breach of the peace as well as preempt the outcome of investigations.”

  • Methodist Church condemns invasion of NASS by DSS personnel

    Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) has condemned in its entirety the recent invasion of the premises of the National Assembly by masked personnel of the Department of State Service (DSS).

    This is even as the church commended the Federal Government for acting promptly in holding accountable those that were involved in the invasion.

    The Methodist Church’s position was contained in a communiqué issued after her 46th/11th biennial conference held in Aba, Abia State from August 6 to 13, 2018 under the leadership of her Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel C.K Uche JP.

    The Conference with the theme, “Strive for peace and Holiness without which no person can see God”, examined the state of the nation and the church and in view of the NASS invasion said MCN as a church would always want upheld the separation of powers as enshrined in 1999 constitution.

    MCN said it wholeheartedly supports the restructuring of the country as a necessary tool to practice true Federalism which will allow states to  tap from resources available to them and make an agreed contribution to the federal government.

    On security, the communiqué stated, “Life is sacred and must be protected; Methodist Church Nigeria therefore condemns in strong terms the mindless killing of citizens and wanton destruction of properties at different regions of the nation especially in the North Central, North West and North East”.

    As a way of curbing insecurity in the country, the communiqué advocated for creation of state police under the command of state governor who is the Chief Security Officer of the state.

    The communiqué recommended that instead of building cattle ranches for Fulani herdsmen across the country, that ranches be built for all cattle farmers in their home states. “Cattle colonies or grazing fields should not be used as a means of colonization, religious proselytising and forceful acquisition of ancestral lands of other people”.

    “We at the same time commend the Federal Government for the establishments of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps which is a fall out of state of insecurity. The Church at this time calls for proper handling of the welfare and security of those living in these camps”.

    While commending the Federal Government on the financial autonomy granted the local governments as it will enhance grass root development and prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

    The communiqué said that MCN will continue to pray for civil servants and politicians for them to join hands to lead the nation to the Promised Land.

  • Trending videos on Daura fake – DSS

    The trending videos indicating that N21 billion cash, weapons and Niger Republic voters’ cards were found in the Abuja and Katsina homes of former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, is fake, the agency said on Monday.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, the DSS also warned that various biased and conflicting interpretations of last week’s incident at the National Assembly are being disseminated by interest groups.

    “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to the circulation of fake information and videos in which several items were said to have been recovered from the Katsina and Abuja homes of its immediate past Director General, Lawal Daura.

    “These non-existent items include N21 billion cash, 400   assorted   and   sophisticated   small   arms  and  light weapons/rifles  and thousands of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) belonging to Niger Republic immigrants.

    “In another video also in circulation, some persons believed to be personnel of a security outfit were seen forcing open safes stocked with money.

    “The security operatives were described as executing a recovery operation at the Katsina home of the former DG of DSS.

    “Consequently, the Service wishes to inform the public that these videos are false and should be disregarded.

    “So far, no such recovery operations have been undertaken by the EFCC or any other security agency at DSS’ office or residences of the former DG,” the agency said.