The Nation Newspaper

Tag: DSS

  • No evidence that Abiri is a journalist, only a guest of DSS – Presidency

    Presidency has dispelled insinuations that the arrest and continuing detention of Jones Abiri, who claimed to be a journalist, trampled on freedom of the press.

    The presidency said on Thursday that Abiri has not been able been able to prove that he is a bona fide journalist.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), said in Abuja on Thursday said: “It is very uncharitable for anyone to infer that the President is in support of restrictions on freedom of expression and the media.’’

    “On the issue of the arrest and continued detention of Abiri, who allegedly parades himself as a journalist, by the Department of the State Services (DSS), it is instructive to note that the accused is a guest of the security agency because of his alleged involvement in militant and criminal activities.

    “Admittedly, the issue of Abiri had been brought to the attention of the Presidency by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

    Abiri is accused of being a Niger Delta militant by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Abiri who claimed to be a publisher of the Atlantic Express, was arrested on July 21, 2016 in his Yenagoa office and has since been in the custody.

    He was accused of sponsoring the circulated hoax of a planned overthrow of President Muhammadu Buhari and destruction of pipelines belonging to oil multinationals.

    DSS had alleged that Abiri masterminded the vandalism and bombing of Agip Oil Company and the Shell Petroleum Development Company pipelines in Southern Ijaw and Brass on July 8, 2016.

    “As a true believer in the rule of law and the integral role of the media in a democracy, the Presidency did interface with the security agency involved in the matter and our findings confirmed that the suspect is in custody because of alleged involvement in pipeline vandalism and theft.

    “Abiri is not a registered journalist with any of the media professional bodies in the country.’’

    Shehu further stated that there was no evidence to show that Abiri belonged to any chapel or membership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) or payment of the union’s check-off dues.

    “Abiri’s stock-in-trade and notoriety in the liberalised Nigeria media industry include fronting as a spokesman for militants engaged in economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region,’’ he added.

    He said the administration would continue to promote the freedom and safety of journalists.

    He assured the world that the administration would do nothing untoward to damage the credibility it has demonstrated in promoting press freedom.

    According to the presidential aide, President Muhammadu Buhari is resolutely committed to the freedom of the press.

    He said the administration would ensure that media personnel in the country discharged their duties without let or hindrance.

    He, therefore, frowned at those individuals or groups insinuating that President Buhari was in support of restrictions on freedom of expression and the media.

    The presidential spokesman, however, maintained that the Buhari administration would continue to promote the freedom and safety of journalists.

    He reassured that the administration would also do nothing untoward to damage the credibility it had demonstrated in promoting press freedom since coming into power in May 2015. (NAN)

  • Air Force deploys two helicopters to Zamfara

    The Nigeria Air force has deployed two helicopters to 207 Quick Response Group Air Force Base in Zamfara state to combat terrorism and beef up security.

    The deployment was made to support personnel operation in the fight against army bandits and terrorism in the state.

    News Agency of Nigeri, reports that the Nigeria Air Force recently commissioned two helipads at the 207 Quick Response Air Force Base in Gusau.

    Read Also: NAF fighter jet neutralises Boko Haram terrorists

    NAN also reports that more personnel were deployed from the Army, Air Force, Police and Department of State Security Service (DSS).

    The development came when the state Governor expressed concern with the activities of security agencies in the state.

    Speaking while receiving the helicopters, the Commander of the 207 Quick Response Group, Captain Caleb Olayera expressed assurance that the state would witness change.

    Olayera said with the helicopters in the Command, criminals would be trace and dealt with.

  • DSS shuns court order

    The Department of Security Services (DSS) Wednesday refused appear before a Kano High court order, directing the service to appear before the court over alleged act of contempt.

    The Kano High court No 8 sitting at Miller road, on June 5, granted an order, requesting the Director, Department of Security Services, DSS, Kano command,  and one Dalhatu Shehu Usman to  appear before the court, on June 13th to explain their roles in interfering into court process.

    The court presided over by Justice Farouk Lawan Adamu further ordered  that, DSS should appear before the court to show cause, why DSS Kano command should not be committed for contempt of court.

    The court further in its order, stated that DSS tampered with the administration of justice, stating that officers and men of the service embarked on the ejection of the occupant of shop No 107 located at Kantin Kwari market, in contrast to an existing court order.

    Read Also:DSS seeks collaboration with tertiary institutions to achieve peace

    When the matter was mentioned Wednesday, Barrister Dalhatu Shehu Usman announced his appearance, while DSS failed to announce its appearance.

    Barrister Dalhatu told the court that DSS got involved in the civil matter as a result of a court order, which directed the service to eject the shop owner.

    The legal practitioner, who said, he is not holding brief for DSS, tendered two orders that were granted by a Kano High court sitting in Bichi LG.

    He said, DSS acted in compliance with the order of the high court.

    He tendered an interim and interlocutory orders issued by a Kano High court sitting in Bichi.

    Counsel to the owner of the shop in dispute, Barrister A S Aikawa lamented that, DSS is a security outfit, which is empowered by law on issues of threat to national security as against getting involved into civil matters.

    He told the court that, it is unacceptable for DSS to ignore the order of the court, which requested DSS Kano command to appear before the court to explain, why the service should not be committed for contempt.

    In his ruling, Justice Farouk Lawan Adamu said, the court is confused over, on which of the either court orders did the DSS embark on the ejection of the occupant of the shop at Kantin Kwari.

    The judge ordered the court registry to write to Kano High sitting in Bichi to authenticate, if the order, on which DSS acted had emanated from the court.

    The matter is adjourned to July 13th for continuation.

     

  • We recovered prohibited arms, cash from Dasuki – Witness

    A Federal High Court in Abuja heard on Tuesday how operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) allegedly recovered prohibited arms, cash and exotic cars from the Abuja residence of a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, during a search conducted in the home between July 16 and 17, 2015.

    The recovered arms were five Tavor X95 Assault rifles, Macro Uzi rifle with serial number 60244 and Luger gun with number 033373.

    Others were small magazine containing16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, bigger magazine containing 23 life rounds of 9mm ammunition and 36 rounds of live ammunition.

    A Macro Uzi with serial number 60244 and magazine with 16 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were recovered from a Range Rover car with registration number ABUJA – RBC 517 JN parked on the premises.

    The allegedly recovered cash included $40,000, said to have been found in a safe in the house; N5m and $20,000 cash, allegedly recovered from the same Range Rover car parked in the premises.

    In all, 11 cars were allegedly recovered from the premises. They included a black CLA 250 4Matic Mercedez Benz, Black Lexus LL570, one black Range Rover with registration number ABUJA BWR 6 GA, one ash Range Rover Vogue with registration number SOKOTO – SKK 123 KF, one black Peugeot 508 Tubor, one black Ford Darus with registration number ABUJA RBC 583 EH and one black Range Rover HSE.

    Also recovered were a Range Rover Evogue with registration number ABUJA YAB 607 BN; a BMW X5 with registration number, Abuja RSH 838 TU; a BMW X5 with registration number Kaduna – DKA 325 FH; and another BMW X5M with registration number SOKOTO – TBN 370 AA.

    A DSS operative, William Obiora, told the court about the search and recoveries while testifying at the resumed hearing in Dasuki’s trial.

    Dasuki is standing trial for money laundering and illegal arms possession.

    Led in evidence by lead prosecution lawyer, Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN), Obiora explained why the search was conducted on Dasuki’s Abuja house.

    He said the search started at 4:30 p.m. on July 16 and extended to July 17, 2015.

     

     

     

  • DSS, FRSC, poly team up against campus crime

    Anyone planning to engage in cultism and other crimes at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State will be wise to think twice because the institution is partnering with the Department of State Services (DSS) as well as Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to stamp out vice on the campus.

    This was revealed when the management of the institution led by its acting Rector, Dr Izuchukwu Onu visited the DSS

    Mr Yusuf Isyaku, the state Director, DSS, called on tertiary institutions in the country to collaborate with security agencies to achieve lasting peace.

    He said the collaboration between tertiary institutions and government security organisations was imperative for the realisation of security and peace in the country.

    He said his office was particularly happy with the level of peace and security at the Federal Polytechnic Oko and would continue to partner with the management to sustain the tempo.

    Isyaku maintained that the Anambra state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, should be hailed for providing the conducive atmosphere in the state.

    He said Obiano was passionate about security and peace in the state, urging the management of the polytechnic to share in the governor’s vision.

    He assured his visitors that his office would continue to support the institution in her drive to continue to make the institution secure and peaceful for learning.

    Isyaku said, “Federal Poly Oko is doing well in security and we will always support you.”

    While briefing the DSS boss, the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr Izuchukwu Onu said the familiarisation visit was to appreciate the DSS for their supportive role in efficient security services in the polytechnic.

    He said the school had zero tolerance for crime and all forms of criminality, adding that the visit was to consolidate the relationship between the institution and DSS in the state.

    Onu and his team also visited Mr Sunday Ajayi, the Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission FRSC, where he solicited for such support.

    Ajayi, assured them of their preparedness to ensure that road users abide by the road safety codes to reducing crashes on the ways, especially in Oko.

    Onu, had appealed to the FRSC Commander, to help sensitise motorists plying roads leading to the institution to abide by safety code.

    Ajayi said, “FRSC is willing to partner the polytechnic to further build the capacity of drivers of the school.”

    Some of the management team members included the Registrar, Stella Njaka, the head of personnel, Dr Blessing Asuzu, among others.

  • The Nation reporter petitions DSS, police

    The Department of State Services (DSS) and the police have been notified of the alleged threat to the life of The Nation reporter in Ekiti State, Odunayo Ogunmola, by Lere Olayinka, an aide to Governor Ayo Fayose.

    In the petitions addressed to the state Director of DSS, Mrs. Promise Iheanacho and Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Abdullahi Chafe, Ogunmola said Olayinka and the government should be held responsible should anything sinister happen to him.

    In the petitions dated May 2, the reporter demanded a prompt and in-depth investigation into the alleged threat.

    Read also: Ekiti May Day boycott: Fayose’s aide threatens The Nation reporter’s life

     Ogunmola accused Olayinka of posting his photographs and marking him out with a red arrow, to expose him to attacks.

    He alleged that Olayinka released his phone numbers to the public.

    The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has demanded the sack of the governor’s aide, describing his conduct as capable of threatening peace.

    Addressing reporters in Ado-Ekiti after the monthly meeting of the group, a chieftain, Mr. Tunji Ogunlola, said it constituted a grave criminal offence for a reporter to be threatened for performing his official duty.

  • Fed Govt pays N135m compensation to victims of 2013 killing by DSS

    THE Federal Government has paid N135 million compensation to the 19 victims of the September 20, 2013, shooting by men of  the Department of State Services (DSS) in an uncompleted building behind the Apo Legislative quarters, Abuja.

    The payment made yesterday by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, on behalf of the Federal Government, was in compliance with the award made in 2014 by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) after it investigated the case.

    A team of men of the Army and DSS had on September 20, 2013 invaded the uncompleted building behind the Apo Legislative quarters, Abuja and shot eight people dead and injured 11.

    The Army and DSS had claimed that they shot and killed the squatters in self-defence. They further claimed that the security operatives carried out the early morning raid on the uncompleted building upon receiving intelligence reports that members of Boko Haram sect were hiding in the building preparatory to attacking government targets in Abuja.

    Upon a petition by friends, family members and relatives of the victims, the NHRC conducted inquiry on the incident, following which it released a report of its findings and recommendations on April 7, 2014.

    The NHRC, in its report, declared that the killing of the eight, who were later identified as tricycle riders, was “unlawful”.

    The commission, in the 83-page report, awarded N135 million as compensation to the 19 victims of the incident, which included the award of N10 million each to families of the eight people killed and N5 million to each of the 11 that sustained injuries.

    NHRC equally directed the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to lodge the evidence of payment with the commission’s office within 30 days.

    The commission noted that contrary to claim by the security operatives that those killed were members of Boko Haram, they (security operatives) did not even interview those injured after the shooting to establish their connection or otherwise to the sect.

    NHRC noted that before the operation, the security operatives ought to have interrogated the owners of the property where the squatters were killed.

    It said contrary to claim by the security operatives that arms were hidden in the uncompleted building,  no arms and ammunition were shown to have been recovered from the property, where the squatters were killed.

    Malami, while presenting a cheque of N135 million to representatives of the victims in his office yesterday, said the eventual payment was a result of negotiations by parties.

    He said: “I am glad to inform you that the NHRC has received the payment from the DSS and the process of payment of the money to the beneficiaries starts today.

    “I am further glad to inform the public of this gesture, the first of its kind in Nigeria, coming from President Muhammadu Buhari, which is confirming his commitment to the rule of law, upholding justice and respect to human rights.

    “This gesture also confirms his (President’s) enduring legacy of ensuring that justice is seen to be done to every Nigerian.”

    In-coming Executive Secretary of the NHRC Tony Ojukwu said the final payment of the compensation was commendable.

    He said NHRC ordered the DSS to pay the compensation in furtherance of its powers under the commission’s amended Act.

    He added: “In fact, under Section 6(4) of the NHRC Act 1995 (as amended), it is now an offence punishable with imprisonment for six months or N100,000 to refuse to provide evidence, obstruct or do anything to prevent the commission from lawful exercise of its functions or refuse to comply with the lawful directives, determination, decision or findings of the commission.

    “It is in fulfilment of its mandate that the commission exercised its powers to make a finding of gross human rights violation of the victims of this incident and accordingly awarded the present damages of N135 million against the DSS.”

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter Chairman of the National Commercial Tricycle Owners and Riders Association (NACTOMORAD), Usman Buba Gwazo, who spoke for the beneficiaries of the compensation, hailed the NHRC for its efforts.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Court orders display of guns recovered from Dasuki’s house

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday overruled an objection filed by the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and ordered that arms and ammunition allegedly recovered from his Abuja home be displayed in court.

    Dasuki is standing trial before the court on charges of illegal possession of firearms and money laundering.

    The prosecution had opened its case by calling a witness, but the trial was later stalled when the initial trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola withdrew from the case.

    The trial resumed before another judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, and the prosecution called its first witness.

    The witness, Williams Obiara, an operative of Department of State Service (DSS), had his face hidden from the court’s audience.

    He wore a mask and testified behind a shield provided by the court.

    Lead in evidence by the prosecution lawyer, Oladipupo Okpeseyi (SAN), Obiora explained how a search was conducted on Dasuki’s home in 2015 and how weapons were allegedly recovered from the building.

    Obiora said he was part of the team ordered by the Director General of DSS in 2015 to carry out search on Dasuki’s house based on intelligence report that weapons injurious to national security were in his house.

    The witness said the team led by Ali Burara and armed with a search warrant arrived Dasuki’s home in Asokoro and met a number of armed soldiers, who prevented the team from accessing the premises.

    He said after about three hours, a military truck arrived the house and took the soldiers away, following which his team conducted its search on the building.

    According to him, the team recovered some weapons and recorded them on the search warrant.

  • FG pays N135m compensation to victims of DSS killings

    The Federal Government on Thursday paid N135million compensation to 19 victims of the September 20, 2013 shooting by Department of State Services ( DSS ) operatives at an uncompleted building behind the Apo Legislative quarters in Abuja.

    The payment made on behalf of the federal government by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was in compliance with the 2014 recommendations made by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

    Soldiers and DSS operatives had invaded the uncompleted building and shot eight people dead.

    11 other people were injured in the incident.

    The security agencies had claimed the victims were killed in self defence.

     

  • Court restrains police, DSS from arresting Omo-Agege 

    A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court yesterday stopped the police and the Department of State Service (DSS) from arresting Senator Ovie Omo-Agege over Wednesday’s invasion of the Senate by thugs who went away with the mace.

    The mace has been recovered and returned to the Senate.

    FCT Chief Judge Justice Isahq Bello gave the restraining order while ruling on an ex-parte motion brought by the senator.

    Justice Bello said the order would subsist, pending the determination of the Omo-Agege’s motion on notice, which he ordered to be served on the defendants.

    The judge granted all the applicant’s prayers, which included:

    • An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents, their agents and/or servants from arresting and/or detaining the applicant either in their custody or of any other law enforcement agency, or its servants, agents or privies or through any person working in concert with the respondent as its agents, by whatever means or however described pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in this suit.
    • An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents, their representatives, agents or privies, howsoever described from any attempt or threat to violate the applicant’s fundamental right to personal liberty and right to freedom of movement pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in this suit.

    *An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from taking any or further steps detrimental to the applicant’s aforementioned fundamental rights to the applicant’s rights in connection with the facts stated in this matter pending the hearing of the motion on notice filed in this suit.”

    The motion on notice will be heard on May 7.

    Justice Bello re-assigned the case to Justice Usman Musale of Court 30 in the Jabi Division of the FCT High Court, where subsequent proceedings would take place.

    The main suit is marked: FCT/HC/CV/1522/2018 and the ex-parte motion was marked: M/5050/18.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN); the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris; Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Sadiq Bello, and the Director-General of SSS, Lawal Daura are listed as respondents.