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  • DSS set to arraign INEC officials for electoral fraud

    The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign Sulaiman Ikhuoriah, an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and one other for allegedly involving in electoral fraud in the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami charged Ikhuoriah and Olugbenga Omotiloye to have falsified results in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate against the All Progressives Congress and its candidate in the elections held in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo state.

    A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court will on Tuesday sit over the matter, which was investigated by the Edo Command Office of the DSS. The Federal Ministry of Justice has requested the DSS to present the defendants in court on Tuesday. Justice Y. Halilu will preside over the case.

    In the election, Ikhuoriah was said to have served as the Collation Officer for Ward 6 in Saint Maria Gorreti Secondary School, and Omotiloye allegedly served as an electoral officer at Bishop Kelly, beside St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City.

    A Principal State Counsel in the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federal Ministry of Justice, who filed the charges on behalf of the AGF stated in the case summary filed in court that the defendants were invited for interrogation on February 27, 2019 and March 5, 2019 following a petition by the member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma.

    The prosecution alleged that Ikhuoriah, “without lawful excuse,” acted in breach of his official duty by placing a call to the petitioner, Agbonayinma, and requested gratification for the purpose of delivering his Ward to his party during the elections. Ikhuoriah was said to have erroneously made the call, thinking he was discussing with the PDP Chairman, not knowing that Agbonayinma, whom he was having the conversation with, was of the APC.

    The defendant was also accused of receiving N100,000.00 as bribe for delivering the Ward for PDP’s candidate in the election. His alleged offences were said to be punishable under Section 124 (b) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

    Also, the prosecution alleged that Omotiloye, while serving as INEC electoral officer on the March 2, 2019 at Bishop Kelly, beside St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City held a meeting with one Ise-Edehen and collected the sum of N100,000 as gratification.

    The sum collected on March 2 was said to be in appreciation of his effort in ensuring that PDP won the election during the February 23 National Assembly polls in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State

    “My Lord, the summary of this case is electoral malpractices, perpetrated by the defendants who were the INEC Collation Officer and INEC Electoral Officer respectively during the February 23, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State. The defendants have acted in breach of their official duties by been involved in electoral malpractices including bribery and conspiracy.

    “The defendants were invited for interview on February 27, 2019 and March 5, 2019 following a petition by the member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson (Hon.), where his Tecno Pouvoir (Model LA7) with GSM No. 0803-428-5260 was exploited. Thus, some incriminating text messages between him and one Matthew Urhoghide (Senator), with GSM No. 0803-3385-5557, Adaeze Onubagu with GSM No. 0703-528-5622 were found on the device.

    “The suspects made voluntary statements under caution, and admitted collecting the sum of N100, 000.00 (one hundred thousand Naira) only from Ise-Idehen, as appreciation. My Lord, during the trial, the prosecution shall lead evidence to prove the guilt of the defendant based on credible and undisputed facts,” a summary of the case in a court filing read in part.

    Some of the counts instituted against them read, “That you Sulaiman Ikhuoriah, male, 36 years old, of No. 13 Aisosa Street, off Okhoro Road, Benin City, Edo State, on 26th February, 2019 at Mr. Biggs, opposite the NNPC Mega Filling Station, Sapele Road Benin City, received the sum of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) only as bribe for delivering your Ward, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 124 (b) of Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended).

    “That you, Olugbenga Omotilayo, male, 50 years old, of Plot 1, Longe Street, Oko Central, Benin City, Edo State, on the 25th February, 2019 was directed by Senator Matthew Urhoghide not to take the Senatorial election’s result to Eghosa Grammer School which you complied in clear breach of your lawful duty, you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 123 (3) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as Amended).”

  • Buhari’s daughter opens up on DSS’ detention of trader for 10 weeks over SIM card

    Buhari’s daughter opens up on DSS’ detention of trader for 10 weeks over SIM card

    Hanan Buhari, daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari has opened up on allegations that the Department of State Services detained a trader, Anthony Okolie, for 10 weeks for using a telephone line that was earlier used by her.

    According to her, though she had received complaints from relatives that someone was using her old line to solicit money, she never reported the matter to the DSS.

    Hanan said this in a counter-affidavit to the originating motion filed by Okolie.

    Okolie had sued the DSS, Hanan and company, MTN for his 10-week ordeal in the security services’ detention.

    He accused the DSS of detaining him for 10 weeks, denying him bail and access to his lawyers for using a telephone line that was earlier owned by Hanan, alleging that the DSS detained him for 10 weeks because Hanan, who was schooling in the United Kingdom at the time, failed to come forward to clear him.

    In an affidavit deposed to on her behalf by one Idris Abdullahi, the President’s daughter said she should not have been joined in the suit because she had no idea that Okolie was ever arrested.

    The affidavit read in part, “I was informed by the 2nd respondent (Hanan) in our office on February 15, 2020, around 4pm… that she never made any complaint against any Mr. Anthony Okolie to any officer in State Security Service or any other law enforcement agency.

    “That she was not privileged to even know anybody with the name Anthony Okolie and has never reported him or any other person to any law enforcement agency in Nigeria or any other country throughout her life.

    “That although she was not happy with the public complaint that someone had been using her old SIM card to solicit for financial assistance using her name, she never complained to any authority and she was not aware that the person’s name was Anthony Okolie until the media published it.”

    According to Hanan, she did not have the powers to give the DSS orders to detain anyone.

     

  • New twist in Bayelsa as DSS commences probe of new Deputy Governor over alleged fake NYSC certificate

    New twist in Bayelsa as DSS commences probe of new Deputy Governor over alleged fake NYSC certificate

    Was Bayelsa deputy-governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo using a forged discharge certificate of the National Youth Service Corps?

    An Abuja Area Court has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to wade into the matter by investigating the alleged forgery.

    An APC chieftain from Bayelsa State, Benjamin Youdiowei, had approached the Area Court in Lugbe, Abuja, alleging that Ewhrudjakpo presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his nomination as a candidate, a forged NYSC Exemption Certificate.

    Youdowei alleged that Ewhrudjakpo had been using the forged document as part of his credentials.

    The NYSC certificate is dated February 2, 1998, with number 139708.

    The presiding judge, Abubakar Sadiq, had on November 27, 2019, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ewhrudjakpo following his absence from the court for the day’s proceedings.

    He had also ordered the police to investigate the deputy governor before issuing a fresh order directing the DSS to take over the investigation.

    Ewhrudjakpo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was until his swearing-in as the Bayelsa State deputy governor on February 14, 2020, the senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

    He was sworn in alongside the state governor, Duoye Diri, following the February 13, 2020 judgment of the Supreme Court nullifying the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates in the last governorship election in the state.–Channels TV

  • DSS speaks on terrorists’ movement, hijack of luxury buses in Abuja

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted reports on social media that the Service had alerted the public about the movement of terrorists into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country.

    The Service also debunked reports that luxury buses of three major transport companies were hijacked on the Lokoja-Okene Road by persons suspected to be championing an ethnic agenda.

    A statement by Public Relations Officer, DSS National Headquarters, Abuja, Dr Peter Afunanya, reads: “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to false reports being circulated on the social media that the Service had alerted the public about the movement of terrorists into the FCT and other parts of Southern and Middlebelt regions of Nigeria.

    “Another misleading report relates to the alleged hijack of luxury buses of three major transport companies on the Lokoja-Okene Road by persons suspected to be championing an ethnic agenda.

    “The alert purportedly issued by the Service on the arrival of Boko Haram and other terrorist elements to the aforementioned places has been in circulation since 2013 when it was first created by mischief makers whose handiwork is to cause chaos.

    “Similarly, the report concerning alleged attack on the luxury buses conveying a particular ethnic group to their local base was first created some years back to deceive and incite unsuspecting persons.

    Read Also; DSS arraigns nine for kidnap of doctor, others
    “The public is urged to disregard these fallacious narratives and reports in their entirety. As fake news that they are, the DSS wishes to dismiss them as non-existent and therefore describe them as figment of the imagination of their creators.

    “The illusive stories are merely designed by some zealots to instigate ethno-religious and political crises of violent and destructive dimensions across the country.

    “It has, however, become obvious that the main aim of engaging in these undesirable actions is to also undermine national security for the achievement of some ulterior goals.

    “The Service frowns at the continuous exploitation of social, religious and tribal differences by purveyors of doom to ignite extreme violent actions among the populace.

    “While security and law enforcement agencies are totally committed to sustain maximum efforts in ensuring public safety in the Nation, citizens are enjoined to disregard these deceitful reports that do not emanate from the Service and go about their normal businesses.

    “Considering that security is a collective responsibility of all and sundry, everyone is advised to be more committed in this regard and report suspicious persons to relevant security agencies nearest to them.

    “Meanwhile, the Service will continue to collaborate with sister agencies to ensure adequate protection for the people, government and critical infrastructure. It will also not fail to make defaulters face, within the ambit of the law, consequences of their illicit activities.”

  • BREAKING: Obaseki writes IG, DSS, demands Oshiomhole’s arrest, prosecution

    BREAKING: Obaseki writes IG, DSS, demands Oshiomhole’s arrest, prosecution

    The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has written to the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to seek the immediate arrest and prosecution of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole over fueling of political violence in the state.

    The Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu, who made this known to journalists in Abuja , on Monday, said a copy of the petition would also be sent to the Department of State Services.

    Shuaibu accused the APC’s national chairman of fuelling violence in the state by serially going against the state government order banning political rally in the state.

    ”I am in Abuja to meet with the IG. I have a petition to the IG and the Director of DSS to the effect that Mr Oshiomhole be arrested by the police and DSS for the breakdown of law and order, that he has consistently perpetrated in Edo state.

    “We banned rallies, the IG in a letter also suspended rallies. Oshiomhole disobeyed the orders of the state government. He disobeyed the orders of the IG and feels that he is above the law.

    “For us, we have officially come now to drop our petition with the IG, to the effect that Oshiomhole is not above the law; he should be arrested for violating the state government’s order,” Shuaibu said.

    He said that nobody violated Oshiomhole’s orders when he was a governor.

  • DSS frees five aid workers abducted by Boko Haram

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has secured the freedom of five aid workers abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

    Security sources confirmed yesterday that they were released following a negotiation with the sect, although it could not confirm if any ransom was paid to secure their release.

    The humanitarian workers comprising two females and three males were abducted on December 22 last year, three days to Christmas when the rebels ambushed their convoy en route Maiduguri from Monguno.

    They are, George Michael of International Organisation for Migration (IOM); Jennifer Samuel of Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA); Arthur Chima of Solidarity International, Asabe Musa of ALIMA and Adamu Ozeshi.

  • Lawyer sues Buhari’s daughter, DSS for N500m

    Tope Akinyode, lawyer to Mr Anthony Okolie, an Asaba-based businessman detained for 10 weeks by the DSS for owning a SIM card previously registered in Hanan Buhari’s name, has made good his threat to sue all the parties involved in Okolie’s ordeal.

    A suit has now been filed in which Okolie is asking President Buhari’s daughter, the Department of State Services (DSS) and MTN, to pay him N500 million compensation.

    Mr Okolie, 33, was arrested on July 19, 2019 in Asaba.

    The suit, with number FHC/ASB/CS/3/2020, is seeking an order to “compel the respondents (DSS, Hanan and MTN) jointly or severally to pay the applicant the sum of N500,000,000 only as general and aggravated damages for the gross and unlawful violation of the applicant’s right to acquire moveable properties, freedom of movement and self-dignity.”

    Okolie said in the suit that he was detained with handcuffs until September 22, 2019, as the DSS waited for Hanan, who was schooling in the United Kingdom, to come and clear him but she never did.

    The trader also attached the receipt he was issued after purchasing the SIM card as well as the SIM certificate.

    According to the affidavit, he bought the SIM card on December 8, 2018, with phone number, 09035666662, for the sum of N1,000.

    Okolie asked the court to declare that his long detention was an abuse of his fundamental human rights and that the actions of the DSS contravened sections 35 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution.

  • DSS arraigns Umahi’s aide, two others for N3.6bn attempted fraud

    The Department of State Services on Thursday arraigned three suspects for attempting to defraud the Ebonyi State Government of the sum of N3.6 billion (USD10,000,000.00).

    One of the suspects, Precious Orji Nnachi, was a Technical Assistant to Governor David Umahi.

    The trio alleged approached Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State in December 2019 claiming they were representatives of a foreign company and had $125 million to give to the State Government.

    They allegedly told the Governor that the condition for the smooth receipt of the grant was if there was up to $10 million in the State Government’s United Bank for Africa account.

    According to Umahi, while relaying his experience with the suspects, “Something played out today. Some group of people in the past two months said they have $125 million to give us. I told my Commissioner for Finance that it doesn’t sound real. I know immediately that it was a scam but my commissioner for finance continued pushing innocently.

    “Because of his belief that it is real, I told him to go ahead. They said they were investors and that they have money to give to us free of charge. They said we should bring $125 million US dollars. And out of the money, they will only take $25 million dollars to develop our place while the remaining $100million US dollars will be our own.

    “I said what is my own. They can even take 50% if they want and give us even 1million dollars since it is a grant. I told them that, if this money is a flush money, Ebonyi State Government will not be held responsible. The journey began. They said that we should show evidence of $10 million dollars in our account.”

    The suspects, whose names were given as Precious Orji Nnachi, Obinna Agummuo and Chuks Ajunwa, allegedly committed the offence at Umunaga village, Uburu community, in the Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state, on December 30, 2019.

    They were arraigned on Thursday, at the Magistrate’s Court on six counts bothering on felony, attempt to defraud, amongst others.

    The Service’s Prosecutor, C.P. Njoku, told the court that the offense was punishable under sections 516A (a), 509 and 484 of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.

    The charge read in part, ” That you Precious Orji Nnachi, Obinna Agummuo and Chuks Ajunwa, on the 30th day of December, 2019, at Umunaga Uburu in the Ohaozara Local Government Area, under the jurisdiction of Abakaliki Magisterial District, conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: Attempt to defraud and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 516A (a) of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, of Nigeria, 2009.

    “That you Precious Orji Nnachi, Obinna Agummuo and Chuks Ajunwa, on the 30th day of December, 2019, at Umunaga Uburu in the Ohaozara LGA, under Abakaliki Magisterial District attempted to defraud the Government of Ebonyi State of the sum of Ten Million Dollars (USD10,000,000.00), amounting to Three Billion Six Hundred Million Naira (N3,600,000,000.00) through a claim which you had no intention or capacity to effect and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 509 of the Criminal Code Cap. 33., Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.

    “That you Precious Orji Nnachi, being a Technical Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State, on the 30th day of December 2019, at Umunaga Uburu, in the Ohaozara LGA, under Abakaliki Magisterial District, corruptly attempted to obtain from the Government of Ebonyi State of the sum of Twenty Five Million Dollars (USD25,000,000.00), as a reward and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 494 (1)(a) of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.”

    The Chief Magistrate, Nnanna Onuoha, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N500 million each, with three sureties in like sum.

    According to her, the sureties must have properties worth N500 million and must present Certificate-of-Occupancy of the said properties, to the court.

    The matter was adjourned till February 5, 2020, for hearing.

  • Just in: DSS arrests man for creating, sharing fake Buhari’s wedding video [Photo]

    Just in: DSS arrests man for creating, sharing fake Buhari’s wedding video [Photo]

    The Department of State Services arrested a 32-year old man, Kabiru Mohammed for creating and sharing fake videos depicting President Muhammadu Buhari’s wedding the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq.

    The fake videos had been viral on the social media space between August and October 2019.

    Parading the suspect at the DSS National Headquarters on Friday, Public Relations Officer, Dr Peter Afunanya, said an investigation was launched, following a formal complaint to the Service by the Minister for Finance.

    He said, “Last year, 2019 between August and October there was a defamatory video that circulated widely across Nigeria and showing false engagement of Mr President in marriage with some members of his cabinet. One was the Minister for Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed and another was that of the Minister for Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq. On the 11thof October, 2019 the Honourable Minister for Finance, brought a formal complaint to the Service in which she stated that the video had cost her big embarrassment and asked that an investigation be opened into that audio/video and the materials associated with it, the infographics and all the materials that were in circulation at the moment. She asked that a detailed investigation be opened in that regard with a view to identifying the persons or groups of persons that may have been behind the circulation of such defamatory materials.

    “The Service went into investigation and we can announce that it had apprehended the person that is involved and the person who started this and who circulated the materials. His name is Kabiru Mohammed. He hails from Kano. He is 32 years. He holds a diploma in Hausa and Fulfulde from the Federal College of Education, Kano and also holds a diploma in Mass Communication from Aminu Kano Islamic School, according to him.

    “He has confessed and investigation has also revealed his involvement in the creation of these materials and the circulation of the materials. Investigation is continuing to determine the actual reasons behind his intent. What we can assure you as Nigerians is that we would continue to deepen this investigation and bring it to a logical conclusion.

    “We will do everything needful within the ambit of the law to bring this to a logical conclusion, as to determine whether there is or not other persons, interests and motives behind this other than what he has said.

    “We want to use this opportunity to once again please ask Nigerians as always that the spread of false news through the social media does not do well for any person. You may enjoy the spread of such falsehood when you are not the victim. But if you become the victim, you will know the pain. And we want to urge every citizen and residents and of course Nigerians, that anywhere they are, they should desist from spreading falsehoods, misrepresentations, rumours against one another, against then government, and against institutions of government.

    “By the time you click that button and you spread or participate in sharing news that is not true, you are helping in causing disharmony, you are helping in bringing problem in the country. And you are also feeding on differences in the country to bring about chaos, anarchy and instability. As we go into the New Year, we urge everyone to make a new attitude and begin to find reasons to be more patriotic, to be more law abiding, and be better citizens and to help move Nigeria forward. On our part we would continue to perform our duties and responsibilities without let or fear and will always collaborate with all stakeholders particularly the media and strategic partners to make sure there is lasting peace in the country.”

    The suspect, Mohammed, who admitted to creating and sharing the videos begged for forgiveness, saying it was a mistake.

    He said he was a member of a political group in Kano known as Kwakwasiya

  • DSS officer shoots man while aiming runaway Christmas cow

    DSS officer shoots man while aiming runaway Christmas cow

    A middle-aged man has been reportedly shot dead by a personnel of the Department of State Services in Alor, Idemili South local government area of Anambra state.

    The victim, Onyeocha Umuokwu, a domestic staff to one Engr Emeka Eze was allegedly killed by the officer attached to a VIP’s house in the area in attempt to fire a cow running away from the house.

    A source close to the family who claimed the suspect was a police on duty at the scene, described the act as painful.

    “Onyeocha Umuokwu was shot by a police officer at Engineer Eze’s house on 25th December 2019, in Alor.

    “A cow cut the rope they tied it, and started running. A police officer on duty aimed to shoot the cow, but mistakenly shot and killed Onyeocha Umuokwu, so painful,” the source said.

    Reacting, Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed refuted the report alleging that the act was committed by a policeman.

    Describing the report as misleading, Mohammed said it was orchestrated by mischief makers targeted at portraying the police in bad light.

    He said, “The attention of the Anambra State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading report being circulated that one Onyeocha Umuokwu was allegedly shot by a police officer at Engineer Eze’s house on the 25/12/2019 in Alor Community, Idemili South LGA of Anambra State.

    “The report probably orchestrated by mischief makers who want to portray the police in bad light is totally misleading.

    “In order to clear ambiguity and to set the record straight, on the 25/12/2019 at the residence of one Engr Emeka Eze of Umuokwu village Alor, a DSS personnel whose identity is yet unknown attached to a VIP allegedly fired gunshot at a cow in a bid to stop it from escaping but the bullet missed target and allegedly hit one Nnaemaka Nnabuenyi (a domestic staff of the said Engineer) popularly known as Onyeocha and the victim died on the spot. The incident was not reported to police.

    “Following the incident, police detectives led by DPO Nnobi Division visited the scene but neither the Engineer nor the victim’s relative are willing to provide any useful information that will aid police investigation.

    “However, corpse was taken to the mortuary for autopsy and case is under investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.”