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Tag: dss

  • Joint security team combats criminal elements in Kogi, Nasarawa States

    Joint security team combats criminal elements in Kogi, Nasarawa States

    A joint security team comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States. On 19th June, 2023 along the Abuja- Keffi Expressway in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State, the team apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (aka Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner. During the operation, the team seized the following insidious items:
    a. Four Hundred and Eighty-Six (486) rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition;
    b. Twenty-Two (22) primed IEDs
    c. The sum of Thirty-One Thousand, Five Hundred naira (N31,500)
    d. One (1) Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.
    In another joint operation in the early hours of today, 22nd June, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), one time jail breaker and notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu LGA of Kogi State. Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralised. Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three (3) fully loaded magazines, six (6) locally fabricated weapons, two (2) phones and charms.
    On its part, the DSS calls for vigilance prior to the Eid celebrations more so that reports had indicated plans to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the festivities. This is evident in the recovery of primed IEDs among the suspected terrorists.
    Operators and patrons of public places including markets, malls etc are advised to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies. Accordingly, the Service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities.
    Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi
    Public Relations Officer
    Department of State Services
    National Headquarters
    Abuja.
  • JUST IN: Embattled Emefiele challenges DSS detention in Court

    JUST IN: Embattled Emefiele challenges DSS detention in Court

    The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele on Tuesday approached the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, challenging his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    In his originating motion on notice, Emefiele is praying for the court to enforce his right to liberty and freedom of movement, as there is no basis for his continuous detention.

    However, the Attorney General of the Federation as well as the DSS have insisted that the detention of the suspended CBN Governor is lawful.

    In a preliminary objection filed against the fundamental rights enforcement suit instituted by Emefiele, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that the detention was backed by the order of a magistrates’ court and prayed for the court to dismiss the motion with cost.

    They noted that the arrest of the former CBN governor was an administrative decision of the DSS.

    The AGF is also challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, as the originating motion filed by Mr. Emefiele ought to have sought that the court set aside the order for his detention rather than seek enforcement of rights.

    The DSS, on its part, is also challenging the motion for bail filed by Mr Emefiele.

    The case has been adjourned till July 13 for ruling.

  • Middle Belt Forum urges DSS to invite El-Rufai over ‘divisive comments’

    Middle Belt Forum urges DSS to invite El-Rufai over ‘divisive comments’

    A group under the aegis of Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS), to invite the Ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over his comments widely criticised for being divisive.

    The forum, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Isuwa Dogo, on Sunday, condemned the former governor over his controversial comments on the role of religion in the 2023 governorship election in Kaduna.

    In a nearly six-minute video which trended on social media, El-Rufai could be seen meeting with Islamic clerics ahead of his exit from the office, justifying his choice of Muslims occupying top positions in the Kaduna State Government as against Christians.

    He claimed that the Muslims overwhelmingly voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the last election.

    The comments prompted outrage from several quarters including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accusing El-Rufai of dividing the people of Kaduna along fault lines during his eight-year tenure as governor.

    In a similar vein, the MBF noted that at the meeting which was conducted on the eve of his departure as governor, El-Rufai addressed “the preachers on how he, with others, plotted to enthrone the same-faith ticket in the state that was later successfully replicated at the Federal level.”

    The statement reads:
    “The attention of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has been drawn to the condemnation of the provocative pronouncements by the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, while addressing a select group of Islamic clerics after the conclusion of the highly disputed presidential and governorship polls. In the meeting with Islamic clerics that was conducted on the eve of his departure as Kaduna State Governor, el-Rufai told the preachers on how he, with others, plotted to enthrone the same-faith ticket in the state that was later successfully replicated at the Federal level.

    “The former governor recalled that he, with others, was determined to ensure the Muslim-Muslim ticket was sustained for another 20 years to ensure Christians come to terms with the indispensability of the same-faith ticket as a panacea for peace in both the State and the Federal level. What he never told his selected preachers was that the state he ruled and ruined for eight years was turned into Nigeria’s headquarters of kidnappings and human barbarities that led to the murder of tens of thousands of people and decimation of over 100 communities under his watch.

    “The MBF, as the socio-cultural organisation for ethnic nationalities that are mostly Christians of the Middle Belt Region, is outraged by the deceitful attempts by el-Rufai and his nebulous co-travellers to push our nation down the slippery slope of religious tension and bigotry.

    “The outrage over the el-Rufai video clip demonstrates the level of disappointment by Nigerians over the former governor’s outburst that was aimed at inflaming religious conflagration in order to destabilise the Nigerian State.

    “The unfortunate comments by this bigot, who is erroneously thought of as a nationalist and public intellectual, portray him as a divisive leader who not only thrives in creating chaos, but also reveal him as an irredeemable religious extremist whose antecedents as governor showcases him as a treacherous enemy of Nigeria that must be barred from the corridor of power.

    “Even before now, the Forum has never been deceived by the pretentiousness of the former governor whose stock in trade is divisiveness hidden under the thin covering of a public intellectualism and patriotism.

    Dogo noted that video clip exposes El-rufai as the most contemptible and appalling divider-in-chief.

    ” His hypocrisy and innermost desire to work against the secularity of the Nigerian State have left many to ask: What is this little man, who has benefitted greatly from Nigeria, trying to achieve? If there has been any doubt of his complicity and dubiousness in the promotion of heightened political and religious tension in Nigeria; his meeting with selected members of Muslim clerics leaves no one in doubt that he is the most dangerous politician in the country today.

    The Forum calls on the Nigerian security agencies not only to place the former governor under its radar, but he should be invited by the secret police for a chat.

     

  • Emifiele: DSS uncovers planned calumny against Tinubu government

    Emifiele: DSS uncovers planned calumny against Tinubu government

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has identified persons and groups planning to stage campaigns of calumny against it and the Government over the suspension and investigation of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

    DSS in a statement issued by Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer on Saturday said, the groups intend to gather at different points in Abuja and Lagos in the coming week with placards depicting the Service and Government in bad light as well as calling for the immediate release of Emefiele.

    According to the statement, the service is aware of a cheap propaganda aimed at demotivating and distracting it from professionally executing the onerous responsibilities assigned to it.

    “It has also noted the misleading commentaries, speculative narratives, storylines and videos being circulated in the social media by uninformed parties, critics and/or desperadoes. It is mindful of orchestrations to infiltrate its fold for the purpose of using disloyal staff for subversive aims against its leadership.

    “While these efforts are considered as hatchet jobs designed to distract, the Service warns the plotters to desist forthwith from their plans. This is more so that the arrow heads are already under watch and will be apprehended when and if it becomes necessary.

    “It is instructive to state that the Service had granted the family of Emefiele, medical officials and appropriate persons access to him, right from the day he was taken in and long before the court order requesting so.

    “The Service implements Standard Operating Procedures on Suspect Handling and Investigation to the latter. It conducts its affairs transparently, professionally and respects the rule of law in compliance with democratic governance.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, it assures of its professionalism in the current matter(s) under its purview. It will, however, not be distracted or intimidated”.

     

  • Just In: Court orders DSS to grant Emefiele access to lawyers, family

    Just In: Court orders DSS to grant Emefiele access to lawyers, family

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) and its Director General to immediately grant the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, unrestricted access to his lawyers and family members.

    Emefiele was arrested by the DSS on Saturday, hours after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu on Friday evening.

    The order came from Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting at Maitama Abuja on Friday, following an application by J.B. Daudu SAN, counsel to Emefiele.

    He informed the court that he had written letters to the DSS, particularly on June 14, for the purpose of taking further instruction from him, but the DSS has refused to respond to the application.

    On the other hand, counsel to the second and third respondents, I. Awo, told the court that the DSS did not have the penchant for refusing such a request and that it was wrong to do so.

    However, he expressed certainty that the security service would abide by the order of court and grant access to the listed lawyers and family members of Emefiele to see him, while counsel to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation did not oppose the application.

    In another development, counsel to the DSS, as well as the Office of the AGF, requested extension of time to file their respective responses to the originating motion, which was granted and the suit was further adjourned till Tuesday, June 19 for hearing of the substantive suit.

  • BREAKING: DSS summons suspended EFCC Chairman, Bawa

    BREAKING: DSS summons suspended EFCC Chairman, Bawa

    …he arrived DSS office a few hours ago

     

    The Department of State Services, DSS, has summoned the suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa for questioning.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports Bawa’s invitation by the DSS followed his suspension on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu over alleged misconduct and abuse of office.

    The invitation by the DSS was contained in a letter signed by the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya(PhD).

    The statement read: “The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bawa arrived a few hours ago.”

    “The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him.”

    Bawa has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.

    Bawa’s suspension is coming days after President Tinubu suspended the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

  • I wish Emefiele well on his new appointment in detention – Fayose

    I wish Emefiele well on his new appointment in detention – Fayose

    Former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose says he wishes the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, well in his new appointment in detention.

    The former governor said Emefiele’s arrest by the Department of State Service should also serve as a lesson for those who don’t remember to be careful when being used.

    The DSS in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, confirmed the arrest of  Emefiele.

    The CBN governor had earlier been suspended on Friday evening by President Bola Tinubu. His arrest followed his suspension.

    Reacting to Emefiele’s  arrest on Saturday, Fayose said Emefiele’s ordeal will  serve as deterrent for those who don’t remember that power is transient.

    Speaking to FTN, he said, “This is a lesson for those who don’t remember to be careful when being used.

    “Today he is on his own. How can a governor of the CBN be contesting for president. He was deceived to go for an ambition and didn’t know when to stop.

    ”It is a rare privilege  to be Nigerias CBN’s governor. Instead of appreciating God, he allows himself to be used.

    “Without doubt, I knew a day like this would  come – with consequences.

    “We can only wish him luck on his new appointment in detention.”

    He explained that Emefiele may be ”another Dasuki in the making.” Sambo Dasuki was Nigeria’s National Security Adviser during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He was accused of misappropriating Nigeria’s security funds and spent a long time in detention during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    To him, Emefiele’s ordeal is an appointment  that you can’t know the end. “Dasuki came back,  I pray for him that he survives. Emefiele should take over Dasuki’s room in DSS’  office.

    ”Buhari has set the pace and precedence, we can only wish him luck in this new journey.

    “He should be ready to enjoy his new destination with President Bola Tinubu. We welcome him to this new journey.”

    He said the former CBN governor should be reminded that a lot of people will no longer pick his call. “He is now an orphan. But Dasuki went through it and Heaven did not fall. So, we wish him well.”

    He however said the Tinubu’s administration should ensure that all the money belonging to the state with the former CBN boss is fully recovered.

  • Emifiele: Niger Delta group urges DSS to respect rule of law

    Emifiele: Niger Delta group urges DSS to respect rule of law

    The Niger Delta Rights Advocates has called for respect of the rule of law in the handling of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

    The group, in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Bright Ngolo on Saturday in porthacout said the manner Emefiele was picked up by men of the Department of State Services DSS suggested abduction.

    The statement noted that there was an extant court order restraining the DSS, the EFCC and others from arresting Emefiele.

    “The reports we have is that operatives of the DSS stormed the Lagos residence of Dr. Godwin Emefiele at the dead of the night (2 am), blindfolded him, and forcefully took him away in a manner suggestive of abduction.

    “As Rights Advocates, we should not live in a nation where all manner of Gestapo-style arrests will be made in the name of getting people to question them or account for perceived misdeeds.

    “It is clear that Mr. Emefiele could be invited for questioning at any time since no Nigerian is above the law.

    “However, we are also concerned with the fact that there is a judgement by a competent court in suit no GAR/CV/41/2022 instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership wherein Justice M.A. Hassan barred the DSS, Attorney General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria, who are listed as 1st, 2bd and 5th defendants from arresting Godwin Emefiele.

    “Our call for the authorities to respect the rule of law by challenging and setting aside Justice Hassan’s judgement has nothing to do with the propriety or otherwise of his removal from office as CBN Governor.”

    “The NDRA wants the due process of the law to be followed in pursuing the Emefiele case rather than painting the picture of repression of the rule of law. ”

    The group alleged that some state governments, particularly Rivers state has had a judgement from the Court that barred the EFCC from arresting officials of the state government.

    “And up till date, the EFCC has failed to vacate that judgement and equally failed to investigate the monumental regime of entrenched fraud in the running of the state in the past 8yrs.

    “We call on all agencies of government, therefore, to respect the rule of law as a confirmation that democracy has taken root in our country.”

  • BREAKING: Finally, DSS confirms arrest of Godwin Emefiele

    BREAKING: Finally, DSS confirms arrest of Godwin Emefiele

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has finally confirmed the arrest of suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer, Department of State Services, National Headquarters, Abuja confirmed the arrest on Saturday.

    According to a statement by Afunanya confirming the arrest of Emefiele, the suspended CBN Governor was arrested for investigative reasons.

    The statement reads: “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is now in its custody for some investigative reasons.

    “The public, particularly the Media, is enjoined to apply utmost caution in the reportage and narratives concerning this”.

  • [Video] DSS takes former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele into custody

    [Video] DSS takes former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele into custody

    A video has emerged online showing the moment, the Department of State Security, (DSS) took the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele into custody.

    In the the video the former governor who was sacked from office on Friday by President Bola Tinubu, was seen highlighting from a Toyota Hilux vehicle, and thereafter escorted by DSS officials into a private plane which is headed for Abuja.

    see video:

     

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