TheNewsGuru

Tag: dss

  • BREAKING: DSS lays siege at SERAP’s office after demanding reversal of petrol price hike

    BREAKING: DSS lays siege at SERAP’s office after demanding reversal of petrol price hike

    After the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) gave President Bola Tinubu a 48-hour deadline to reverse the recent hike in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have laid siege at the office of the social rights organisation.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the DSS are laying siege at the office of SERAP in Abuja, requesting to see the Directors of the organisation.

    SERAP made this known via X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians”.

    SERAP only on Sunday gave President Tinubu 48 hours within which to reverse the recent hike in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS). SERAP asked the President to use his “leadership position and good offices to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the apparently illegal and unconstitutional increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across its retail outlets”.

    In the open letter dated 7 September 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The increase in petrol price constitutes a fundamental breach of constitutional guarantees and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

    SERAP urged him to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies “to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, including the spending of the reported $300 million ‘bailout funds’ collected from the Federal Government in August 2024, and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers, despite allegedly failing to remit oil revenues to the treasury.”

    “Suspected perpetrators of alleged corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered.”

    “Nigerians have for too long been denied justice and the opportunity to get to the bottom of why they continue to pay the price for corruption in the oil sector.”

    The letter read in part: “Rather than pursuing public policies to address the growing poverty and inequality in the country, and holding the NNPC to account for the alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, your government seems to be punishing the poor.

    “The increase in petrol price has rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival. The increase is not inevitable, as it stems from the persistent failure of successive governments to address allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector and the impunity of suspected perpetrators.

    “Corruption in the oil sector and the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds to support the operations of the NNPC have resulted in persistent and unlawful hike in petrol prices. Holding the NNPC to account for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector would serve legitimate public interests.

    “The increase is causing immense hardship to those less well-off. We are concerned that as the economic situation in Nigeria deteriorates, the increase in petrol price is pushing people further into poverty. We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

    “Increasing petrol prices at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to face worsening economic conditions is entirely inconsistent with your government’s constitutional and international obligations to ensure the minimum living conditions compatible with human dignity.

    “The arbitrary increase has placed a disproportionate burden on the marginalized and most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly those disadvantaged by poverty. The increase is seriously jeopardizing their living conditions, well as individuals’ physical, emotional, and individual development, and intensifying and worsening socioeconomic conditions in the country.

    “The increase constitutes a serious human rights problem because of the intensity with which it undermines the enjoyment and exercise by Nigerians of their human rights and renders their civic participation illusory. The fundamental right to life includes not only the right of every Nigerian not to be deprived of his/her life arbitrarily, but also the right that he/she will not be prevented from having access to the conditions that guarantee a dignified existence.

    “The growing poverty and inequality in the country has continued to adversely affect the right of Nigerians to participatory democracy, and impede their ability to participate in their own government.

    “Persistent increase in petrol prices keep people in poverty which in turn perpetuates discriminatory attitudes and practices against them.

    “Your government has a legal obligation to mobilize the maximum of the country’s available resources to ensure people’s socio-economic rights and to protect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Nigerians.

    “Your government also has the legal obligations to probe and prosecute allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of corruption.

    “Investigating and prosecuting allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution, and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations.

    “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to ‘abolish all corrupt practices’ including in the NNPC.

    “Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’

    “Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’

    “According to our information, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited recently increased the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across its retail outlets.

    “The price of the product increased to N855 per litre, from about N600, and in some instances above N900 per litre. The apparently unlawful increase in petrol price followed a scarcity caused by the reported refusal by suppliers to import petroleum products for the NNPCL over a $6 billion debt.

    “The NNPC reportedly failed to remit USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion of oil revenues into the public treasury, as documented in the recently published 2020 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

  • BREAKING: NLC reacts over arrest of Joe Ajaero by DSS

    BREAKING: NLC reacts over arrest of Joe Ajaero by DSS

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the arrest of its President, Mr Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS). TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ajaero was arrested by the DSS on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    It was gathered that the NLC President was on his way to attend the conference of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom (UK) when he was arrested and taken away by the DSS. He was subsequently handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

    “The assault on Nigeria workers continues. President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero was arrested and abducted by men of DSS at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport Abuja this morning on his way to attend an official engagement of TUC United Kingdom and he is now detained at the office of the NSA,” the NLC disclosed.

    TNG recalls the Police had earlier invited Ajaero for interrogation on charges related to alleged “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cyber crime”. He was summoned via a letter dated August 19 and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of Commissioner of Police, Intelligence.

    After Ajaero honoured the police invitation, Mr. Maxwell Opara, a lawyer to the NLC President disclosed that the Police had retracted their earlier reasons for summoning the labour union leader. It still remains unclear why the DSS has picked the labour leader.

  • BREAKING: DSS arrests NLC President, Joe Ajaero

    BREAKING: DSS arrests NLC President, Joe Ajaero

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero. It was gathered that Ajaero was arrested by DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday.

    He was on his way to attend the conference of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom (UK) when he was arrested and taken away by the DSS. According to several sources, Ajaero has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

    Recall that the Police had earlier invited Ajaero for interrogation on charges related to alleged “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cyber crime”. He was summoned via a letter dated August 19 and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of Commissioner of Police, Intelligence.

    After Ajaero honoured the police invitation, Mr. Maxwell Opara, a lawyer to the NLC President disclosed that the Police had retracted their earlier reasons for summoning the labour union leader. It remains unclear why the DSS has picked the labour leader.

  • Why we celebrated former DG Bichi’s exit – DSS officers

    Why we celebrated former DG Bichi’s exit – DSS officers

    The recent resignation of the former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)  Yusuf Bichi stirred jubilation within the agency.

    It would recalled that a video emerged online showing some DSS staff members allegedly celebrating in the wake of Bichi’s resignation.

    Speaking on the controversy the viral video stirred, many DSS officers, who requested anonymity, expressed relief, describing Bichi’s exit as a “freedom from unprofessionalism.”

    These DSS officers alleged several misconduct during Bichi’s tenure, particularly pointing to undue interference in the service’s operations by his family members, specifically his wife and son, Yusuf Bichi Jr.

    According to the unnamed officers,  the former DG family interference compromised the professional integrity of the agency.

    A DSS officer, however, said personnel of the agency were happy with Bichi’s removal.

    He said, “We believed his regime was a punishment for us. He impeded the career advancement of many officers by extending the service years of those due to retire. Some senior officers, who were due for retirement in 2021 and 2022 were retained in the service.”

    Another officer alleged that Bichi was indifferent to the welfare of workers.

    The officer said, “The Federal Government increased our salary by 40 per cent, but there was no implementation. We were earning more than the police before, but the police are now earning more than us because they implemented their 40 per cent increment. However, there was a proposal to increase our salary by 25 per cent this year, but it has yet to be realised.”

    Speaking on the recruitment of personnel, another secret agent described Bichi’s recruitment as nepotistic.

    He further stated, “Bichi’s recruitments were arbitrary and lopsided. Three different training sessions have been conducted for some people we didn’t know when they were recruited this year alone. Most of the newly recruited personnel are northerners.

    “His first recruitment in 2019 brought in either 420 or 450 persons from Bichi Local Government Area in Kano alone. In the history of the service, 450 was the maximum recruitment we ever had before Bichi, but he recruited 1,000 personnel at once.

    “There was no southerner among the national directors and deputy directors at the headquarters until January this year when he was directed by the Presidency following a petition. His wife is another issue; she abused her husband’s office. His son, too, was power drunk.

    “Just two weeks ago, his wife slapped a DSS director in a northern state. She also slapped at least two deputy directors at airports.”

  • Court strikes out suit against #EndBadGovernance protesters

    Court strikes out suit against #EndBadGovernance protesters

    A Federal High Court Sitting in Abuja has dismissed a case instituted against the #EndBadGovernance protesters.

    This dismissal was pronounced by the court in a ruling delivered on Thursday.

    Other defendants in the case are the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Department Of State Services (DSS), and the Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff.

    The suit filed by 17 Nigerians against the last nationwide protests was dismissed by the court for want of diligent prosecution.

    Justice Peter Lifu terminated the suit on Thursday following the absence of the 17 plaintiffs and 26 defendants in court and without legal representation from the two parties.

    Although the suit was fixed for hearing, the judge expressed shock that none of the 17 plaintiffs showed up nor were they represented by any legal practitioner.

    The plaintiffs drawn from the six geo-political zones of the country had approached the court seeking an order of the court to terminate the protests because their fundamental rights to freedom of movement, human dignity, right to own property, economic, social and cultural development and right to national peace and security were being breached.

    They asked the court to compel the DSS boss, IGP, army chiefs as well and the AGF to enforce their fundamental rights for them by bringing the protesters to order.

     

  • EFCC quizzes fake staff arrested by DSS

    EFCC quizzes fake staff arrested by DSS

    Investigators of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Gombe Zonal Directorate, have commenced an investigation of one Solomon Yohana for allegedly impersonating staff of the commission.

    Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to him, the suspect was arrested on Aug. 19, in Guyuk Local Government Area, Adamawa by the Department of State Service(DSS) and handed over to the EFCC.

    “Items recovered at the point of arrest include: one Fake EFCC ID Card, some fake EFCC letter-heads, one fake EFCC polo shirt and a fake Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML shirt.

    “He will be charged to court as soon as investigation are concluded,” he said.

  • See how DSS officers celebrated the resignation of their DG, Bichi

    See how DSS officers celebrated the resignation of their DG, Bichi

    A video showing the moment officials of the Department of State Services, DSS jubilating over the removal of former Director General Yusuf Magaji Bichi have surfaced on social media.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi replaced Yusuf Magaji Bichi who was appointed by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.

    The new DSS Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, rose through the ranks to attain his current post of Assistant Director-General of the Service.

    In a statement on Monday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunaya, said Ajayi is a thoroughbred and versatile intelligent officer.

    He added that the new DG comes into the new position with immense goodwill.

    “Mr Ajayi is a thoroughbred and versatile Intelligence Officer. Recruited into the Service in 1990 as a cadet officer, the new DG has received several trainings in diverse areas of management, security leadership, critical thinking, human resources among others from within and outside the country.

    “He has also held many command positions including State Director of Security (SDS) at Rivers, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Enugu and Kogi States.

    “Mr Ajayi is diligent, resilient, urbane, pro-active and analytic. He comes to his new position with experience, capacity and immense goodwill,” Afunaya said.

    However, a video shared by former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore, on his X handle on Tuesday captures the moment staff of the Secret Service could be seen in jubilating mood over the official announcement.

    Watch the video below;

     

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new Directors for NIA, DSS

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new Directors for NIA, DSS

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Directors General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed is the new Director-General of the NIA. Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi is the new Director-General of the DSS.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ambassador Mohammed replaces Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, who resigned on Saturday after seven years in office, and Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, the new DSS boss replaces Yusuf Magaji Bichi, appointed by President Buhari in 2018.

    Ambassador Mohammed joined the NIA in 1995 and has had an illustrious career in foreign service since then. He had served in various roles, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Director and his subsequent appointment as the head of the Nigerian mission to Libya.

    The 1990 graduate of Bayero University, Kano, had served in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and at the State House, Abuja.

    Meanwhile, the new DSS Director-General, rose through the ranks to attain his current post of Assistant Director-General of the Service. He had, at various times, served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi.

    “The new appointments follow the resignation of the previous NIA and DSS chiefs,” a statement by President Bola Tinubu’s Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale reads.

    President Tinubu expects the new security chiefs will work assiduously to reposition the two intelligence agencies for better results. He charge them to bring their experience to bear in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country through enhanced collaboration with sister agencies and in surgical alignment with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    “The President thanks the outgoing Directors-General of the two pivotal intelligence agencies for their services to the nation while wishing them success in their future endeavours,” the statement added.

  • DSS detains Nigerian investigative journalist, Soyinka

    DSS detains Nigerian investigative journalist, Soyinka

    The State Security Service on Sunday arrested a Nigerian investigative journalist, Adejuwon Soyinka, who is the West African Regional Editor of the Conversation Africa.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) learnt that the former pioneer editor of the BBC Pidgin Service, was detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5.40 a.m. on Sunday upon his arrival from the United Kingdom via a Virgin Atlantic flight.

    As of the time of this report, no reason has been given for his detention by the security agency.

    In a distress message sent to The PUNCH, the award-winning journalist’s colleagues said he has not been reachable as messages and calls to his phone have been unanswered.

    The message read, “Adejuwon Soyinka has been detained by officers of the Department of State Security at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The incident happened around 5.40 am on Sunday, the 25th of August, 2024, shortly after he arrived in Nigeria via a Virgin Atlantic flight from the United Kingdom.

    “As at the time of this report, no reason had been given for his detention by the security agency. Soyinka has not been reachable as messages and calls to his phone have been unanswered.”

    When contacted, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya said he was not aware of Soyinka’s arrest.

    “I am not aware of the matter you have raised and have no comments on it,” he said.

  • How we uncovered plots to hijack nationwide protests – DSS

    How we uncovered plots to hijack nationwide protests – DSS

    Spokesman for the Department of States Services (DSS), Dr Peter Afunanya, said the intelligence and security agencies uncovered and exposed plans by subversive groups and vandals to hijack the nationwide protest.

    Afunanya said this during the monthly news conference organised by The Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) hosted by the DSS, on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the nation had been experiencing unusual times with the past weeks characterised by notable threats of protests.

    According to him, as envisaged, the outcome was the wanton destruction of property across multiple states.

    Afunanya said that the security agencies have made concerted and frantic efforts to restore calm to the affected areas, successfully re-establishing order.

    “While the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed and remains a cornerstone of democratic governance in Nigeria, however, in the lead-up to these protests.

    “The Nigerian intelligence and security agencies uncovered plans by subversive groups and vandals to hijack the process.

    “This triggered engagement at both policy and strategic levels with traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, members of the civil society and leaders of thought.

    “This is with the aim of appealing to the conscience of the organisers to reconsider their plans in national Interest, but these pleas went unheeded.

    “Over this period, security personnel have remained resilient and dedicated and they have also responsibly discharged their duties,” he said.

    Giving update on the activities of the military, security and responses agencies, Afunanya said the DSS had in the last one month, heightened its intelligence-gathering and dissemination efforts.

    This, according to him, was to drive security operations and law enforcement; ensure protection of citizens’ rights as well as maintain public safety and order.

    He said the service, in collaboration with other stakeholders, conducted several operations, which led to arrests, disruption of criminal networks and recovery of various incendiary items.

    “Within the month of July, the service sustained proactive intelligence acquisition and dissemination of same action agencies.

    “This led to the arrest of criminal elements involved in oil theft, kidnapping, burglary and theft of electrical installations, human trafficking, armed robbery, cult related activities, terrorism and insurgency.

    “Similarly, some high profile terrorist leaders, logistic facilitators, gunrunners and IED experts were also apprehended.

    “During the operations, the following items were recovered: Semi-automatic double barrels, cartridges, pump action rifles, locally made pistol, IED initiators, AK47 rifles, magazines, submachine guns amongst others.

    “Additionally, economic saboteurs involved in diverting palliatives and agrochemicals were also apprehended.

    “1,200 (25kg) bags of palliative rice and 48 bags of rice kit were recovered in one of such operations in Katsina,”he said.

    Afunanya said the Nigerian armed forces had in July, neutralised a total of 572 terrorists, apprehended 790 suspects and rescued 479 kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition.

    He added that the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) also made significant strides in combating various criminal activities, particularly focusing on protecting the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure during the month.

    He said that more than 70 suspects were apprehended in Rivers and Bayelsa States for illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalisation, and operating illegal refineries.

    According to him, the NSCDC’s Anti-Vandal Squad and CG Intelligence Monitoring Team spearheaded these efforts, leading to the dismantling of numerous illegal refineries and the seizure of significant quantities of adulterated AGO.

    Afunanya said that NSCDC also tackled cases of armoured cable vandalism, illegal mining, and rail track vandalisation, with hotspots in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Abia, and Kogi States.

    According to him, collaborative efforts with other agencies led to the transfer of certain cases, such as a firearms manufacturing operation in Abuja, highlighting the NSCDC’s comprehensive approach to national security.

    “The NSCDC secured over 20 convictions during this period, although some are under appeal, such as notable cases in Akwa Ibom.

    “Borno, with over 80 pending court matters, has the highest number of ongoing cases related to theft, vandalism, breach of trust, and financial crimes,” he added.

    The DSS spokesman said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended 1,250 arrests (1,116 males and 134 females), charged 364 suspects, and secured 225 convictions, including asset forfeitures in July.

    He said the agency also located and destroyed 38.44 hectares of cannabis farms across four states.

    According to him, treatment and rehabilitation efforts saw 700 individuals receive care at the agency’s facilities.

    “Through our prevention programmes, including the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the NDLEA educated 204,661 people in various settings about the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.

    Afunanya said the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), exceeded its revenue target with a collection of approximately N467.14 billion, marking a nine percent increase over the monthly goal.

    He said the service had also intensified its anti-smuggling efforts, conducting numerous successful operations resulting in significant seizures and arrests.

    According to him, the NCS made a total of 2,442 seizures with a duty paid value (DPV) of N25.5 billion from January to June.

    He said the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) had achieved the rollout of an advanced electronic passport with improved security features and the implementation of the New Visa Policy.

    He added that new passports could now be processed within six weeks while renewal would take three weeks from the date of online payment.