A GROUP, Veteran Organisation for Human Rights Initiative (VOHRI), has urged Oyo State Governor Abiola, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police to investigate an alleged threat to the life of the children of an Ibadan-based businessman, the late Alhaji Ismaila Akinro.
It demanded N100million as compensation for the damages as a result of illegal sealing of Akinro’s company.
The group urged the concerned authorities to come to the rescue of Mr. Tunde Saheed Akinro and his siblings against oppression and violation of their rights as guaranteed under sections 33, 34 of the 1999 Constitution.
It said in a statement: “We welcome you to yet another case of contempt of law, unlawful use of the Oyo State High Court apparatus cum serious threat to life and illegal sealing off of Ismak Engineering Company, Jelato Area, Oki in Ibadan by a combined team of armed policemen brought by one Alhaji Oladejo Adigun and others.
“Sometime in 1996, Alhaji Ismaila Akinro bought three plots of land from Alhaji Oladejo Adigun. Later in 1998, he bought another three plots of land from him. The receipt to this land transaction was fully signed by him.
“Few months later ,Alhaji Oladejo demanded additional payment on the already purchased plots of land. This request was turned down by Alhaji Akinro.
“Oladejo, thereafter, started threatening Alhaji Akinro’s life and those of his family members to the extend that in August 1998 he sent some hoodlums to attack Alhaji Akinro.
“The case was reported to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Dugbe Ibadan where Oladejo was detained for some day before he was released. Thereafter he was made to write and undertaking to maintain peace (exhibit ‘A’).
“However, in 2001 Oladejo instituted a litigation against Alhaji Akinro at Lagelu Local Government Grade ‘C’ customary court demanding ownership of the plots of land (exhibit ‘B’). This action made Alhaji Akinro to proceed against him at the High Court of Justice Oyo State in the Ibadan Judicial division holden at Ibadan (exhibit ‘C’),” the group said.
When contacted, Adigun said it was a blatant lies.
He said he inherited the land from his grand father and cannot leave his inheritance for anyone to snatch from him.
He said the story started when the late Alhaji Ismaila Akinro arrested him over 15 years ago claiming he was an armed robber.
”The whole story they told you was nothing but lies. Alhaji Ismaila Akinro arrested me before he died and I was remanded in prison for over a year.
“When I returned from prison, I went to court and court vindicated me. I have like six court injunctions which indicate I am the owner of the land,” he said.
•Suswam accused of building armoury
•Associates: he’s a man of peace
Former Governor Gabriel Suswam is being probed by the Department of State Services (DSS) for his alleged link with a militia leader, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana), The Nation learnt yesterday.
Three Benue State local government areas – Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum – are said to be in Akwazza’s grip.
The secret service is also investigating the ex-governor for allegedly building an armoury in his mansion, which is under construction in Makurdi.
Among those building the mansion, which is said to be close to the Ministry of Agriculture in the state capital, are three Israelis.
But a source close to Suswam yesterday said he suspected a frame-up by the ex-governor’s rivals.
Suswam was trying to meet bail terms as at press time. He has been in detention for five days.
According to a security source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not permitted to talk to the media, if Suswam is found to be innocent, the DSS will free him.
The source said: “The DSS is looking into the activities of a militia leader in Benue State, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana) whose group has been terrorising innocent villagers.
“From security reports, the gang leader has held hostage three local governments – Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum. His group is running a mini-government in the affected local councils with locals paying obeisance, remitting funds and now even taking disputes to the group’s court.
“Although Akwazza initially embraced the Amnesty Programme of the state government, he later reneged and returned to his base in mountainous areas. It is from there that his boys have been killing and maiming innocent citizens.
“The situation in Benue, especially in the three local governments, is getting closer to how Boko Haram started and security agencies cannot sit idle without looking at all clues.”
Some indigenes of Benue have alleged that there is a link between Suswam and Akwazza. “At a point, we got reports that Akwazza boys were providing security for the former governor instead of the Police and the DSS,” the source said.
Besides, it was alleged that the former governor was in touch with Akwazza even after the militia leader had been declared wanted.
“Detectives are probing whether Suswam facilitated an interview for Akwazza with a television station. There are so many angles to this case,” he said.
Detectives are said to have discovered that the militia leader was heavily armed during the 2015 general elections by some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“But after the poll, the group became unbearable and started waging guerilla attacks on villagers in Benue State.
“This is why we invited the ex-governor to explain his own side. We have not said Suswam is guilty. We are holding him to assist our investigation,” the source said.
Security agencies are also investigating alleged building of an armoury by the ex-governor.
Three Israelis are said to be part of the project but we are yet to establish their role in the bunker,” the DSS source told The Nation.
The DSS on Sunday detained Suswam over the recovery of some guns, ammunition, and 45 keys of “exotic” cars from two vehicles linked with him.
It also said 21 Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) and 23 designer watches were discovered in the vehicles – a Mercedes Benz S550 (BWR 135AH), and a Masarati 4.7 (BWR 207 AJ).
The weapons recovered from the two vehicles are (i) Glock pistol with two (2) magazines and a total of Twenty-Nine (29) rounds of ammunition; (ii) Mini-Uzi with two (2) magazines containing 10 rounds and 4 rounds respectively; (iii) Forty-two (42) extra rounds of ammunition contained in a pack; and
(iv) One (1) AK-47.
As at yesterday, Suswam was battling for bail through his lawyers.
He has been allowed access to his wife and counsel to prepare his defence under caution.
Another source said: “The DSS has not molested him. His wife brought meals for him on Tuesday. As soon as he meets bail terms, we will release him.”
But Suswam’s friends and associates have attributed his arrest to “bitter partisan politics in Benue State”.
One said:” I don’t have any fact, but I suspect that politics is at play. Suswam is not a violent leader; he has no basis for arming any militia.”
Another associate said: “The DSS should go and read the handover note from Suswam to Governor Samuel Ortom where reference was made to the activities of Akwazza and his men.
“If Suswam was sponsoring the gang, he would not guide Ortom on how to tackle insecurity. It is all politics, despite the fact that the ex-governor has been cooperative with his successor.
“To demonstrate his commitment to peace, the ex-governor recently reconciled with Governor Ortom by visiting him. Suswam is a symbol of peace.”
A Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Lagos State, Babatunde Gbadamosi, has sued the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged illegal detention.
Through his lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, he said he was arrested by the DSS in Lagos on February 21 and taken to Abuja, where he has been in custody without access to his family, doctors and lawyers.
The applicant is seeking a declaration that the DSS’ duty does not extend to unlawful detention of innocent citizens.
The applicant is demanding N50million being special, aggravated, punitive and general damages against the respondents jointly and severally for the violation of his rights.
He is praying for a declaration that his arrest and detention was unlawful and therefore ultra vires.
DSS Director, DSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) are respondents.
Gbadamosi is seeking an order compelling the respondents to release him forthwith from unlawful detention.
No date has been fixed for hearing.
The applicant is praying for an injunction restraining them or their agents or officers from further violating his fundamental rights through unlawful arrest and detention.
He prays for a declaration that his invitation on February 21 by the DSS to its office at Shaginsha, Magodo constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed under Section 34, 37, 38 and 41of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 4, 5, 6, 9, 12 & 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and is, therefore, illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.
The Department of State Services ( DSS) has seized vehicles containing weapons, Certificate of Occupancy and keys to exotic cars allegedly belonging to a former governor of Benue, Mr Gabriel Suswam, an official has said.
An operative of DSS, Mr Tony Opuiyo, said in a statement that the items were seized in Abuja on Friday.
He said the items were recovered at the property of Dunes Investment and Global Properties Ltd, located at No 44 Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Maitama, Abuja.
He listed the items as Glock pistol with two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition, Mini-Uzi with two magazines containing 10 rounds and four rounds as well as 42 extra rounds of ammunition contained in a pack.
Others are one AK-47, 21 Certificates of Occupancy, one offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy, 23 luxury designer watches and 45 keys to various exotic cars.
He said that the items were stashed in the boots of cars parked at the property, particularly a Mercedes Benz S550 (BWR 135AH), and Masarati 4.7 (BWR 207 AJ), which had been confiscated.
Opuiyo said following the discovery and further investigation, the Service had invited Suswam, who was presently helping in the investigations.
He warned that the Service would no longer tolerate any acts of lawlessness by those who ought to be law abiding and responsible citizens.
“The Service has also observed with total dismay the inciting utterances of some political actors whose activities heat up the polity,” he said.
He said that the Service would not hesitate to go after anyone who engaged in acts capable of causing a breach of peace. NAN)
“During the operation, one of them, Bilal Muhammed Umar attempted to escape and was shot on the leg. He was however apprehended and is receiving medical treatment.
“The terrorists were also arrested with Improvised Explosive Device (IED), materials that they could have coupled and attack parts of the State. The suspects are in custody undergoing preliminary investigation,” Usman said.
•Guns, ammunition, 45 exotic car keys found
The Department of State Services (DSS) is to interrogate former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam over the recovery of some guns, ammunition, and 45 keys of exotic cars from two vehicles linked to him. He is being detained.
Besides, said the DSS, 21 Certificates of Occupancy and 23 designer watches were found in the vehicles – a Mercedes Benz S550 (BWR 135AH) and a Masarati 4.7 (BWR 207 AJ).
The vehicles have been confiscated.
A statement by the spokesman of the service, Tony Opuiyo said Suswam was helping its investigation.
The statement said: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that on 24th February, 2017, between 2100 hours and 0242 hours, the Service executed a search warrant, at the property of Dunes Investment and Global Properties Ltd, located at No 44 Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Maitama-Abuja.
“The operation was informed by intelligence that some incriminating items were stashed in the boots of cars parked at the property, particularly a Mercedes Benz S550 (BWR 135AH), and Masarati 4.7 (BWR 207 AJ), which were subsequently confiscated.
“Consequently, on 25th February, 2017, about 1000hours, in the presence of two (2) private security officers employed by Dunes Investment, the cars were searched and the following items were recovered:
“ Weapons: (i) Glock pistol with two (2) magazines and a total of twenty-nine (29) rounds of ammunition; (ii) Mini-Uzi with two (2) magazines containing 10 rounds and 4 rounds respectively; (iii) forty-two (42) extra rounds of ammunition contained in a pack; and
(iv) one (1) AK-47.
“ Other items recovered include: i. twenty-one (21) Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and one (1) Offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy; ii. twenty-three (23) luxury designer watches; and iii. Forty-five (45) keys to various exotic cars.
“Following this discovery, the Service launched further investigation which revealed that the cars and the recovered items belong to the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, who has already been invited by the Service and presently helping in the investigations.
“It is in the light of this latest development that the Service wishes to sound a note of warning to persons and groups that it will no longer tolerate any acts of lawlessness by those who ought to be law abiding and responsible citizens.
“The Service has also observed with total dismay the inciting utterances of some political actors whose activities heat up the polity. It also wishes to express its disappointment with these politicians who, in their desperation, are engaged in hate speeches and even sponsorship of radio campaign jingles when the electoral umpire has not authorised such campaigns in line with the Electoral Act.
“More worrisome is the unpatriotic involvement of some media outfits in these divisive tendencies which negate their constitutional role as the fourth estate of the realm.
“In line with its statutory mandate of maintaining the peace and internal security of the country, the Service hereby restates its commitment to go after anyone, no matter how highly placed, who engages in acts capable of causing the breach of peace in the country.”
Pressure is mounting on the Department of State Services (DSS) to fire five of its officials who were recently arrested over alleged invasion of, and attack on the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Calabar.
The February 2, 2017 attack was allegedly instigated by a female operative of the DSS whose niece was a student of the institution.
The attack sparked reactions from the public prompting the DSS to arrest five suspects.
They were subsequently detained and put through what a source called internal disciplinary processes.
“Actually, internal administrative action has been taken and persons associated with it are undergoing very drastic disciplinary processes in line with our extant rules and regulations,” the source who chose not to be named said.
He added: “It has really given us bad publicity and we would be happy if it does not come up again. As a responsible agency, we are not taking it lightly. Those that were involved will not get off it lightly.
“Our disciplinary processes, depending on the offence, they can get anything including dismissal from service. I cannot say and I would not be the one to make that judgment. I can assure you that depending on the level of culpability, the sanctions will be very severe for them.”
The student who started it all has already been expelled from the school.
She had been caned on the fateful day along with some others by her teacher for failing to tidy up their classroom.
Soon after the punishment was meted to her, she allegedly called up her mother by phone to complain about the punishment.
The mother, in turn, reached out to her sister in the DSS.
In a jiffy the mother, her sister (the DSS operative) and a man stormed the school demanding an explanation from the teacher who caned the girl.
The mother, the female DSS operative and their male companion realizing that the teacher and his colleagues were not intimidated by their presence soon devised a new strategy: call for assistance from the DSS office.
In a matter of minutes a dozen or so security officials had descended on the school, shooting indiscriminately.
They pounced on the teachers and beat them mercilessly.
The school authorities subsequently reported the matter to the state Ministry of Education which, in turn, lodged an official complaint with the DSS.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and several other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the state also openly protested the action of the DSS officials and demanded that they be sanctioned appropriately.
A staff who did not want to be named as the matter has been transferred to the Federal Ministry of Education, said: “they told us that the real actors from the DSS have been arrested and remanded in custody. If the teacher is in any way culpable, the ministry would also do something as they are investigating.
“The reason we made all the noise we made was to ensure that the whole matter is not swept under the carpet. That is why we raised our voices, because if it is not treated this time, it will happen again.
“We want to know what has happened to those who were found culpable in the attack on the school. What is the true picture? What is really going on? We don’t want a situation where time passes and everything is just swept under the carpet and forgotten. People need to be punished for this to serve as a strong deterrent to others who may want to try same in future.
“As it is now, we have handed everything over to the Federal Ministry of Education and there is nothing we can do anymore. Even, though it is outside our powers, we would also like to know what the Ministry is doing on the matter.”
The school stands five blocks away from the DSS office on Goodluck Jonathan Bypass in the Cross River State capital.
The prosecution in the trial of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court and two others closed its case on Tuesday after calling 19 witnesses in all.
The defendants – Justice Ademola, his wife, Olabowale and a lawyer, Joe Agi (SAN) – have however indicated their intention to make a no-case submission.
The defence team continued its cross-examination of the 16th prosecution witness, Babatunde Adepoju, on Tuesday.
Adepoju, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), who in his examination in chief, claimed he was one of those that investigated the case, said there was no evidence that anybody else claim to own the huge fund found in the judge’s house.
The DSS official also said he could not conclude that the N30 million allegedly paid into the judge’s wife’s account by Agi was not a bribe.
Adepoju said Agi told him during interrogation that two of his clients contributed the N30 million towards the judge’s daughter’s wedding.
“Agi said a lawyer in the legal team of President Muhammadu Buhari, while Justice Ademola was hearing the suit about Buhari’s certificate, Kola Awodein (SAN), also contributed N500,000 towards the judge’s daughter’s wedding,” the witness said.
Adepoju said it was the practice in Nigeria for friends and well-wishers to shower gifts on anyone doing wedding.
Last week I was livid when I read of the show of shame at the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Calabar when men of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the school in response to a distress call by a pupil, Grace-Loveth Asuquo.
I wondered how a whole DSS, our own equivalent of America’s CIA, could descend so low as to come running because of a catcall made by a teenager. The teenager made a phone call to her mother who made a call to her sister working with the DSS, and pronto, they invaded the college to unleash hell on teachers of the school. And for what reason? Because a teacher flogged Grace and other classmates (two strokes of the cane each) for forcing a junior pupil to sweep their classroom during school hours.
But it is good to learn that the DSS is not condoning the action of its men. We learnt from subsequent reports that the agency is investigating and has detained all those associated with the incident. The DSS should really investigate how jobless its officers were that they had so much time to show their power wrongfully instead of getting busy with intelligence gathering. This case should perhaps give the agency a reason to review its activities – whether it is over-staffed or whether its officers are not given enough to do when we could use a lot of intelligence gathering all over the country. We are watching and are interested in the final result of the investigation. The Nigerian army has shown an example of what should happen to officers that abuse power. It demoted and jailed two soldiers who beat up a crippled in Onitsha for wearing camouflage. The DSS should not sweep this case under the carpet.
The incident also brings to mind the concern about how parents and guardians handle issues of discipline in schools. Ironically, a similar incident occurred over 20 years ago when I was in school, one of the unity colleges. We watched with shock from our JSS2 Block verandah as two thugs beat up our Yoruba teacher popularly called Uncle Wole outside the staffroom facing our block. The thugs were trying to force the teacher into the trunk of a vehicle but he resisted. While the mayhem was going on, our Vice Principal, Mr Keke, arrived at the scene with two police officers who arrested the thugs. What a relief! We later learnt that Mr Wole flogged a senior who reported to her father, who sent thugs to deal with him.
Parents should not react irrationally when they get reports of ill-treatment from their wards. The first thing to do is to investigate. Start by questioning the child. From thorough interrogation, a parent can find gaps in a child’s story. Always remember that one side does not give a true picture most of the time. After learning the child’s side, get to the school to report to the appropriate authorities – teachers, house mistresses, principals, others. Then if that does not work, move to a higher level – the ministry of education or go to the courts. But more often than not a parent and child would get redress before the matter get to such levels.