The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Dss

  • Court Adjourns SERAP’s N100m Defamation Appeal To October 13

    Court Adjourns SERAP’s N100m Defamation Appeal To October 13

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has adjourned until October 13 the hearing of two appeals arising from a defamation case in which the Federal Capital Territory High Court ordered the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project to pay N100m in damages to two Department of State Services officials.

    A three-member panel led by Justice Danlami Senchi fixed the new date on Friday after discovering that a related appeal filed by Kolawole Oluwadare was not ready for hearing.

    The panel consequently reversed its earlier decision to reserve judgment in SERAP’s appeal, ruling that both cases should be heard together because they originated from the same judgment of the lower court.

    The appeals, marked CA/ABJ/CV/1114/2026 and CA/ABJ/CV/1105/2026, were filed by SERAP and Oluwadare, respectively, against Sarah John and two others.

    SERAP is challenging a May 5, 2026, judgment by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court, which found the organisation liable for defamation over publications concerning an alleged invasion of its Abuja office by DSS officials in September 2024.

    During Friday’s proceedings, counsel to Oluwadare, Hannah Ayanwale, told the court that the second appeal was not ready because the appellant’s brief had been filed only the previous day. She also said a document had inadvertently been omitted from the additional record of appeal.

    Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, who represented the first and second respondents in the related appeal, argued that the case amounted to an abuse of court process, noting that the matters had been heard jointly at the trial court.

    He said the respondents had assumed the appeal was no longer active because the appellant’s counsel had not filed the necessary processes within the expected time. Kehinde apologised for not filing an application to challenge the appeal earlier and sought time to submit the respondents’ briefs.

    Paul Ngbeoma, counsel to the third respondent, also apologised to the court, stating that his client would participate in the proceedings without filing additional processes.

    The panel criticised the respondents’ lawyers for failing to alert the court that the appeal was not ready before the matter was called.

    Justice Senchi stressed that only the court could decide whether an appeal should be removed from its list, adding that the service of the appellant’s brief showed that the case remained active.

    The court directed the first and second respondents to file their briefs by Monday, October 12, while the appellant was ordered to submit a reply by Tuesday morning.

    Explaining its decision to vacate the earlier order reserving judgment in SERAP’s appeal, the panel said counsel had not informed it that both appeals arose from the same lower court judgment. It held that the second appeal’s status made it necessary to hear the cases together.

    The dispute followed publications made by SERAP on September 9, 2024, alleging that DSS officials unlawfully entered its Abuja office after the organisation called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate alleged corruption at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and reverse increases in petrol prices.

    The publications reportedly described the officers as “a tall, large, dark-skinned woman” and “a slim, dark-skinned man” without naming them.

    The two officials subsequently sued SERAP for defamation, leading to the FCT High Court’s decision to award N100m in damages against the organisation and order an apology.

    In its appeal, SERAP challenged the finding of liability, the damages awarded and the consequential orders made by the trial court.

    The organisation argued that the claimants were not identified by name, rank, designation, office or photograph in the publications and that no independent witness established that readers understood the descriptions to refer specifically to them.

    SERAP also questioned the trial court’s reliance on its own observation of the officials’ physical appearance to establish their identification.

    It further argued that claims of psychological harm and damage to reputation were not supported by sufficient evidence of specific professional, financial or reputational losses.

    The organisation is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the judgment.

    The appellate court is scheduled to hear both appeals on October 13.

  • Army, DSS, Amotekun Kill ISWAP Commander In Ondo Forest

    Army, DSS, Amotekun Kill ISWAP Commander In Ondo Forest

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    A joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Ondo State.

    The terrorist leader, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly eliminated during an intelligence-led operation in a forest in Owo at the weekend.

    Security sources said the operation targeted an ISWAP hideout following intelligence on plans by the group to carry out attacks in parts of southern Nigeria.

    Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group after security operatives launched a surprise assault on the camp.

    Sources said Ohida previously served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria commander, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.

    Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly took over the coordination of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions.

    According to the sources, intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Ikrimah helped security agencies uncover Ohida’s alleged plans to launch attacks during the forthcoming Yuletide period.

    The sources further claimed that the planned attacks were intended to target civilians and disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

    The intelligence was reportedly corroborated by international partners, including the United Kingdom, before the operation was carried out.

    Ohida was also accused of involvement in several attacks on security formations in the country.

    One of the sources alleged that he planned and executed the December 31, 2025 attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken before the facility was destroyed with an explosive.

    He was also linked to the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of soldiers, security personnel and civilians.

    The sources further attributed the July 11, 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and attacks on police formations in Kogi State to the deceased ISWAP commander.

    These included the April 23, 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area, where five police officers were reportedly killed, and the February 7, 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command.

    Ohida was also accused of planning and executing the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of two naval officers.

    A security source described the operation as a significant setback to ISWAP’s leadership and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.

    The source said Ohida’s death, coming months after the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, could further disrupt the terrorist group’s efforts to expand its operational network in Nigeria.

    The operation highlights the increasing cooperation among security agencies in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations across different parts of the country.

  • Sowore To Continue Defence As DSS Rules Out Long Adjournment

    Sowore To Continue Defence As DSS Rules Out Long Adjournment

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 2, 2026, for Omoyele Sowore to continue his defence in the alleged cybercrime case filed against him by the Department of State Services.

    Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date on Monday after counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told the court that the prosecution was prepared to proceed with the trial.

    Sowore’s counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, had informed the court that he had seen media reports suggesting that the DSS planned to seek a lengthy adjournment of the case to allow his client to concentrate on his campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    Kehinde, however, expressed surprise that the defence was relying on media reports concerning the proceedings, saying any instructions from the DSS to its legal team would be communicated through official channels.

    He said he had received no instruction to seek a long adjournment and was ready for the continuation of Sowore’s defence.

    The case stems from social media posts made by Sowore in August 2025 in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” and made allegations concerning corruption under the administration.

    The DSS subsequently petitioned the court after Sowore declined requests to retract or delete the posts.

    Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has challenged the allegations against him.

    The trial has been ongoing before Justice Umar, with the defence opening its case after the prosecution concluded its evidence. In August, proceedings were adjourned to September 20 after a disagreement between lawyers over documents required by the defence.

    The controversy over a possible suspension of the case emerged in August after reports indicated that the DSS had directed its counsel to seek an adjournment until after the 2027 presidential election. The African Action Congress subsequently rejected the proposed suspension and called for the case to be withdrawn.

    With the DSS now indicating its readiness to proceed, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to October 2 for the continuation of Sowore’s defence.

    Sowore is the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress for the 2027 election and also contested the 2023 presidential election.

  • Five Nigerians Extradited From South Africa Face Up to 100 Years in US Prison

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Five Nigerians extradited from South Africa to the United States over alleged involvement in wire fraud and money laundering could face a combined maximum sentence of up to 100 years in prison if convicted.

    The United States Department of Justice disclosed this in a statement on Monday, stating that the defendants were extradited on September 11, 2026, following their arrest in Cape Town in 2021 at the request of American authorities.

    The suspects, identified as Perry Osagiede, 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42; and Musa Mudashiru, 38, were scheduled to appear before US District Judge Michael Shipp at the federal court in Trenton.

    According to the DOJ, the five men were charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering over alleged offences committed between 2011 and 2021.

    Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Clement were also charged individually with wire fraud, while Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Otughwor face additional charges of aggravated identity theft.

    US Attorney Robert Frazer alleged that the defendants were leaders of the Black Axe organisation and operated within its Cape Town Zone in South Africa.

    He alleged that Osagiede founded the Cape Town Zone and served as its leader, while the defendants and other members were involved in various internet fraud schemes.

    Frazer said the group allegedly targeted victims in the United States through romance scams and advance-fee schemes, using social media, online dating platforms and Voice over Internet Protocol phone numbers.

    According to him, the suspects allegedly operated under different identities and convinced victims that they were involved in genuine romantic relationships before persuading them to send money and valuables overseas.

    Some victims were allegedly threatened with the release of sensitive photographs when they hesitated to send money, while funds were also allegedly moved through US bank accounts belonging to victims and other individuals before being transferred to South Africa.

    The US attorney further alleged that proceeds from business email compromise schemes, romance scams and advance-fee fraud were laundered through aliases and business entities to conceal their origins.

    The DOJ said conspiracy to commit wire fraud and individual wire fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

    The money laundering conspiracy charge also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, with a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater.

    Aggravated identity theft, according to the department, carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.

    The five defendants were extradited to the US on September 11 after spending years in South Africa following their 2021 arrests.

    However, the DOJ stressed that the charges remain allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in court.

    “The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” Frazer said.

  • ‘Call Governors to Order’ – Obi Demands Security Action After Benue Blockade

    ‘Call Governors to Order’ – Obi Demands Security Action After Benue Blockade

    Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene following the disruption of his planned visit to Yelewata community in Benue State.

    Obi arrived in Makurdi on Tuesday morning and was heading for Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, where he had planned to sympathise with families affected by the June 13, 2025, armed attack and make personal donations to victims.

    However, his convoy was stopped by a group of Benue youths along the Makurdi-Gboko Road, less than two kilometres from the airport.

    Chanting, “Obi go back, Obi go back”, some of the youths wielding sticks, reportedly threw stones as security personnel deployed to the area watched the confrontation.

    Following the incident, Obi and members of his team turned back and returned to the airport. He subsequently left the state without visiting Yelewata.

    Speaking before his departure, the former Anambra State governor described the incident as “ridiculous” and “very, very worrisome,” saying he had travelled to Benue to condole with families affected by the killings and offer support to victims.

    “We arrived Benue, Makurdi precisely this morning at 9am, on our way to the Yelewata community to condole and show solidarity to the families affected by last year’s killings,” Obi said.

    He said he had planned to visit the community as part of his decision to travel across the country, meet Nigerians directly and understand their challenges.

    According to him, more than 270 people were killed in the Yelewata attack, prompting him to make the visit as he began his campaign activities.

    “Only to arrive Makurdi this morning and trying to drive out, I was blocked by teeming thugs, shouting ‘Obi go back, Obi go back.’ And I was wondering, are we still in Nigeria? Or am I in another country?” he said.

    Obi said he decided against forcing his way through the blockade because doing so could have resulted in violence and endangered lives.

    “I discontinued because I didn’t want to say we must go on as we have our own teeming crowd, but not wanting to cause confusion and possibly endanger the lives of other people. I decided to remain as civil as possible,” he said.

    The NDC candidate subsequently appealed to the nation’s security authorities, particularly the Inspector-General of Police and the DSS Director-General, to intervene and ensure that political activities across the country were conducted peacefully.

    “I am using this occasion to appeal to the security agencies, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, the Director of DSS and other agencies to please intervene and be able to call various state governors to order. This rascality cannot be allowed,” Obi said.

    He warned that political violence could escalate if security agencies failed to protect political actors and their supporters.

    “We have a country and we too have followers. We have people who can confront these people on our own if the state and the government can no longer provide us security. We cannot go on this way. It is unacceptable,” he said.

    Obi urges issue-based 2027 campaign
    Obi said the 2027 presidential contest should focus on the problems confronting Nigerians rather than violence, intimidation and political confrontation.

    He identified insecurity, kidnapping, hunger, killings and poverty as issues that presidential candidates should address as they seek the support of voters.

    “I participated yesterday in the commissioning of the office of the Presidential candidate of APM appealing that we need unity, love, justice, and let this campaign be concentrated on ideas, issues that concern Nigerians today of insecurity, kidnapping, hunger, killing and everything and how we are going to pull our people out of poverty,” he said.

    He urged other presidential candidates to travel around the country, interact directly with communities and listen to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “Go around Nigeria so you can feel the people, see their faces, ask them questions and they ask you questions about what you want to do for them to be able to ameliorate the suffering Nigerians are going through today,” Obi said.

    He also appealed to young people allegedly involved in political violence not to allow themselves to be used by politicians.

    “I call on the youths that are being used. The abuse you are allowing them to use you for today will take its revenge on you,” he said.

    “We are not coming here fighting anybody because our elections will be run on ideas, on issues. And I urge people to please let’s concentrate on that. Let’s not allow a country to get into anarchy. Anarchy consumes everybody,” he said.

    ‘Government knew I was here’

    Obi said his experience as a former governor made it difficult for him to believe that the incident could have occurred without the knowledge of the state government and security agencies.

    “I have been governor myself. I know that this cannot happen without the government and security agencies in this state being fully aware that I am here,” he said.

    He recalled that he served as governor of Anambra State for eight years and said he would have intervened had a similar incident occurred under his administration.

    Obi also questioned why he should be prevented from moving around Benue during the campaign period.

    “This is a campaign period. I did not come here on election day so you cannot say I came disturbing the election,” he said.

    He further recalled that he had previously turned back from visiting Benue after the governor reportedly indicated that he did not want to meet him.

    “Remember last time I wanted to come, the governor said he did not want to see me. I turned back. But now is the election period where as a presidential candidate I am free to move around because election campaigns have started,” Obi said.

    He said his objective was simply to see conditions in the state firsthand and interact with residents.

    Reacting to the incident, the Benue State government accused Obi of courting trouble.

    Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, said this while reacting to the disruption of Obi’s convoy during a visit to the state on Tuesday.

    Iorpev said Obi ought to have formally notified the state government ahead of his visit, describing the action of the former governor as a breach of protocol.

    The commissioner said given his status as a former governor and prominent political figure, the government had a responsibility to make adequate security arrangements for him.

    “A high-profile person who has been a former governor of a state is coming into the state; he should have written a letter to the State Government.”

    “We are supposed to guarantee his safety and protection, but in an instance where no letter was written, we could not guarantee his safety.

    “This is not the first time he is doing this. He is just looking for our trouble. We are peace loving and hospitable people,” he said.

    Iorpev said he was not aware of those who blocked the convoy, but added that Obi’s visit coincided with a meeting involving youths from all the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue. Daily Trust

  • DSS DG Bans Operatives From Arresting People Over Civil Matters

    DSS DG Bans Operatives From Arresting People Over Civil Matters

    The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, has directed operatives of the agency not to arrest anyone over civil matters.

    According to The Sun, Ajayi stated this in a media interview on Thursday, explaining that the directive was part of measures to strengthen adherence to the rule of law and improve the agency’s human rights record.

    The DSS boss said that since assuming office, he had introduced reforms across five broad areas: law enforcement, inter-agency synergy, accountability, respect for human rights and infrastructural and administrative reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency.

    According to him, the reforms had also brought about a clearer distinction between civil and criminal matters within the agency.

    Ajayi said his career experience had shown that the DSS previously conflated the two areas, stressing that the use of force was inappropriate in civil disputes.

    “You cannot apply the use of force in civil matters. Even some criminal matters don’t require force,” he said.

    He cited the case involving political economist, Prof Pat Utomi, over allegations relating to an attempt to establish a “shadow government”, saying the DSS opted to seek judicial interpretation rather than arrest him.

    “Rather than arrest him, we sought judicial interpretation. And the Court ruled that his adventure was unconstitutional, illegal, and a threat to national security,” he added.

    He also referred to a case involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, saying the organisation approached the court over allegations that two DSS operatives invaded its premises.

    Ajayi said the matter was pursued in court without any arrest, adding that the court eventually awarded more than N100m in favour of SERAP.

    Asked whether the DSS now resorts to the courts in civil matters, Ajayi replied, “Yes. I have told my people that there should be no arrest in any civil case. And I’m sure you have found out that, even in cases involving journalists, we would rather approach the court because we do the same job.

    “I call you guys our professional colleagues. The only difference is that, while you inform the public, we inform the Government. And because we inform the Government, our information is classified until we declassify it.”  Punch

  • DSS begins probe of officers clash with prisons official over embattled Emefiele

    DSS begins probe of officers clash with prisons official over embattled Emefiele

    The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has begun investigation on the clash that happened within the premises of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on Tuesday.

    Recall that DSS operatives and prison officials clashed  at the court during the arraignment of the former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, yesterday, Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

    Spokesman of the secret police, Peter Afunanya, described the clash as “unfortunate”, disclosing that the incident was being probed.

    “The public will recall that Mr Godwin Emefiele, suspended CBN Governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, 2023. The Service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and wish to state as follows:

    “The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS; The Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference. The Service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it. The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management. Also, the Service has robust working relationship with sister Security and Law Enforcement agencies including the NCoS;

    “While noting that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter. This is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward.”

    Afunanya said the secret police did not break any law with the way Emefiele’s case is being handled, alleging that some persons were trying to discredit the leadership of the agency.

    “For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele Case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary. The Service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership. In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and high sense of discipline. The Service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism.

    “It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate and, therefore, enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation. It is imperative to note that we have no other country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it.”

    Daily Trust

  • DSS Clears Air on Yari’s Arrest, Invasion Of ICPC, CCB

    DSS Clears Air on Yari’s Arrest, Invasion Of ICPC, CCB

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari was not arrested for allegedly refusing to pick the president’s phone call as was reported in some online publications.

    This is even as the DSS denied reports of storming the offices of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to cart away certain files indicting president Bola Tinubu and his aides.

    DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya while making the clarification in a statement, said, “The Service ordinarily would not have responded to these inaccuracies but for the fickle minded and vulnerable persons as well as the unsuspecting public that may take the lies for facts.

    “To set the records straight, the DSS did not execute operations of any kind at the ICPC and CCB or remove files from their offices. Instructively, the two agencies have, on their own, refuted the news in widely circulated press statements.”

    On the Yari issue, the DSS said, “It is petty, if not laughable, to report that senator Yari was invited for refusing to pick the president’s call. This is the height of junk journalism. Yari knows why he was invited.

    “In fact, the Service denies all the allegations as they lack any factual basis or credibility. They are only figments of the creators’ imaginations. This is more so that the publishers in question have been noted in and outside the country for their notoriety for peddling fake news, sensational and gutter journalism. Without a modicum of proper and civilised behaviour, they indulge in character assassinations and sundry blackmail as business.”

    The DSS further stated that these reports are parts of the hatchet jobs designed to smear or impeach the integrity of the Service and its leadership.

    According to Afunanya, “Notably, the Service proactively alerted the public about this development earlier in June, 2023. While it is aware of the sponsors of these campaigns of calumny, it will simply allow them to exhaust themselves knowing too well that they would someday be brought to justice. Many days, it is said, are sure for the thief but there will be that one day for the owner of the house.”

    “It is clear that the writers and their sponsors are oblivious of the accolades the Service has continued to receive from the majority of stakeholders for excellent performance and its professional demeanour in handling many critical issues of national importance. Rather, they have chosen to use their platforms to subvert the agency and undermine its capabilities.

    “Restating its respect for the rule of law, independence and autonomy of other agencies including the Judiciary and Legislature, it will not shirk its responsibilities or allow some detractors to prevent it from undertaking its statutory duties or carrying out lawful orders by constituted authorities. If Yari or anyone else is to be invited or taken into custody, the Service will not hesitate to do so as far as that is procedurally done within the confines of the law.

    “The Service will remain focused, resilient, patriotic and professional in the conduct of its affairs. Members of the public are enjoined to disregard the misleading stories which are aimed at causing disaffection in the country and disparaging the Service’ leadership. The Service will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges in the country in line with its mandate and the directives of the President. It does not matter how many times naysayers and hostile agents will plan to distract it.”

    Leadership

  • Military, DSS, others comb hotspots in FCT, nab terrorists

    Military, DSS, others comb hotspots in FCT, nab terrorists

    Determined to wipe out terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminals terrorising the peace of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Nigerian armed forces and counterparts from the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence and other security agencies have embarked on raids of hotspots within and outside the FCT.

    The raids, which have been going on for sometime, had resulted in the arrest of over 10 suspected bandits, terrorists, and informants working for the criminals.

    The report gathered that the operation has also led to the destruction of several camps and strongholds of criminals located in some remote parts of the FCT.

    Also, suspected criminal hideouts in motor-parks like Jabi, Zuba, Kaduna road and popular markets in the city centre and area councils have been destroyed.

    The security agencies also destroyed camps used by scavengers for their activities and set their equipment on fire.

    A security source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said soldiers working in conjunction with hunters, local vigilante groups, and community leaders in the area council have also beefed up security in and around schools in the area to forestall any attack as schools resumes this week.

    The reporter further gathered that terrorist camps around Kuje, Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Masaka and some parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger and Kaduna states were destroyed during the operations that were being conducted round the clock.

    According to a source, “Some criminals who took advantage of the forests and bushes in the FCT to relocate and carry out their nefarious activities are now lamenting because of the huge loses they incurred from the operations.

    “To get to the location of criminals, the soldiers and the security agents have resorted to using motorcycles because of the rains to get to the hinterland.”

    The development is also said to have been yielding very positive results.

    So far, the military and security agencies have raided places like Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Masaka, Mararaba, Keffi, Karu abbatoir, Kugbo, Karshi, Mpape, Zuba, Gwagwa, Area One, Utako market, Karmo, Bwari, Jabi, Nyanya, Lugbe and Kuje, among other hotspots.

    As schools resume, security has been beefed up, especially in boarding schools, to ensure the safety of schoolchildren, teachers and other academic staff. It was gathered that the security deployment include plainclothes operatives. For now, all trading in and around boarding schools are prohibited, to avoid the criminals using the opportunity to carry out attacks.

    A security source told the reporter, that people who don’t have any business in those schools would not be allowed to gain entry into such schools. The move it was gathered has become necessary especially at this time when admissions are ongoing.

    FCT, Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development and assured the public of their safety.

    (Sun)

  • DSS denies British Consul access to Nnamdi Kanu

     

    The lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indeginous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor,has lampooned the Department of State Services for denying the duo of Chukwuemeka Ezeife and British Consul access to Kanu.

     

    In a statement he personally signed on Thursday night, he accused the DSS of also not allowing Kanu’s international and Legal Representative in the United States of America, Attorney Bruce Fein to see his client.

     

    According to him, the DSS acted contrary to the subsisting order of the court.

     

    The statement was titled,’Lawless DSS Denied British consul and Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife access to Nnamdi Kanu Today’.

     

    The lawyer pointed out that the the judge had clarified that the persons to visit Kano are no longer restricted to his lawyers and family members but, any other person of his choice.

     

    He said, “In line with this Order of Court, we forwarded the list of names scheduled to visit Our Client on Monday, 25th October, 2021, which included Attorney Bruce Fein – our Client’s International Attorney and Legal Representative in the United States of America.

     

    “Attorney Fein arrived Nigeria from the United States of America to witness the Court proceedings of the 21st Day of October, 2021, and also utilize the opportunity of the visit to interface with his Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

     

    “Unknown to us, a rude shock awaited us at the DSS. Upon arrival at the DSS Headquarters on Monday, 25th October, 2021, for the scheduled routine visit, the detaining authority did not stop at keeping us waiting for well over two hours, but thereafter specifically told us that no foreigner, including Bruce Fein would be allowed to visit Our Client, and as such, he would not participate in the visit.

     

    “Attorney Bruce Fein, consequently left the premises of the DSS visibly broken. Apparently, he has gathered enough to feed the International Community upon his return to the United States.

     

    “Today was the turn of the British Consul to experience what the civilized society may refer to as the height of abnormality in the System.

     

    “The innocent woman who flew all the way from Lagos on this special diplomatic engagement, was denied access to Our Client, and told that she is not welcomed for the visit because she’s a foreigner.”

     

    He said although the legal team have filed another application for the transfer of Kanu to the correctional center , adding that if the DSS is allowed to remain the custodian of Kanu there would cbe gross denial of fair hearing and fair trial in these proceedings.

     

    He added, “We shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring that this weighty infraction of the positive Order of Court and by extension, gross violation of our Client’s right is addressed without further ado.

     

    “We still appeal to our Client’s millions of followers to remain calm as we explore all legal remedies available to our Client in the circumstance of this breach.”

     

    Efforts to get the spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunanya proved abortive as he was yet to respond to message sent to him on the matter.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • DSS asks Abuja court to nullify bail granted to Igboho’s associates

     

    The Abuja division of Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has been asked to nullify the bail earlier granted to four of the 12 detained associates of embattled Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, also called Sunday Igboho.

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu had, last Wednesday, granted bail to the 12 detainees who had spent five weeks in the custody of the DSS.

    They were arrested on July 1, 2021, at Igboho’s Ibadan residence raided by DSS operatives around 1am.

     

    But, in a fresh motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/647/2021 and filed on Monday, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), specifically urged the court to set aside the bail granted to Amudat Babatunde, Abideen Shittu, Jamiu Oyetunji, and Bamidele Sunday.

     

    The motion, which was filed by counsel to the DSS, Idowu Awo, urged Justice Obiora Egwuatu to remand the four detainees “pending their arraignment during court vacation.”

     

     

     

    However, counsel to the detainees, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has described the fresh application by the DSS was “laughable”.

     

    “We have seen the new application filed by the DSS to continue the incarceration of innocent people who have been in their custody for over a month. It is laughable and turned logic upside down that after over a month in the DSS custody, the DSS still needs more days to punish them. I can assure you this will fail,” he said.

     

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu admitted four of them to bail in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties in the like sum, while the remaining eight were granted bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety each.

     

    The judge said the sureties, who must be resident in Abuja and have properties, must swear to an affidavit of means.

     

    One of the sureties, the court held, must be an employee of the federal government on grade level 12 and above.

     

    The judge also ordered that the title deeds of the said property must be verified by the court registrar and the DSS, in addition to evidence of three years tax payment.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

     

  • DSS warns about alleged Plot to incite religious violence across the nation

    The Department of State Services has warned about a plot by some elements working with external forces to incite religious violence across the country.

     

    It stated that the masterminds planned to foment religious crises in Lagos, Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Oyo, and in the South East.

     

    Part of the plans, according to a statement on Monday by the DSS spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, was to cause inter-religious conflicts as well as use their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.

     

    The statement was titled, ‘Plot to incite religious violence in Nigeria.’

     

    “Consequently, Nigerians are advised to be wary of these antics and shun all divisive tendencies aimed at inciting or setting them against one another,” it added.

     

    While pledging to collaborate with other security agencies to thwart the plot, the service warned the plotters to desist from their nefarious plan in the interest of peace, security and development of the country.

     

    The secret police admonished the citizens and residents to report any attempt to breach the peace around them to the nearest securi ty agencies.

     

    Source: www.punchng.com