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  • DSS arrests #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest leader in Abuja

    DSS arrests #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest leader in Abuja

    Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested Micheal Lenin, one of the leaders of the ongoing Endbadgovernance protests in Abuja

    Lenin was picked up by the DSS around 2 am on Monday at his residence in the Apo area of the FCT.

    Speaking with PUNCH, the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said Lenin’s house was raided by the DSS.

    He alleged that the DSS also assaulted him during his arrest.

    Adenola said, “ Lenin has been arrested by the DSS. He was picked up during a raid on his house around 2am.

    “He was arrested and tortured in the presence of his family. We are demanding his immediate and unconditional release.“

    The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

    He has yet to respond to a message sent to him.

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    Lenin, who is the National Coordinator, of the Youth Rights Campaign, was one of the organisers who spoke at a press briefing expressing disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast on Sunday.

    At the briefing, he said the President’s broadcast demonstrated that he is out of touch with reality in the country.

    He said, “We wish to express our sadness and deep disappointment at the latest broadcast by President Tinubu which is his first address to the nation on the #EndBadGovernance protests, after over three weeks since Nigerians started mobilising to take to the streets and after scores of dead protesters and assaulted journalists from the first three days of the protests.

    “ Many had requested that the President should just address the nation when the protest was being mobilised and when it started to escalate, but most of us did not know that the President would only justify state violence on protesters and journalists while dismissing the demands of the protesters whenever he decides to speak.

    “This, plus the failed attempt to co-opt the progressive and radical language of the protests only shows how much President Tinubu is out of touch with the masses.“

    Lenin, however, said the protest would continue massively on Monday, calling on the citizens to come out in large numbers.

    He said, “We, therefore, call on Nigerians to come out in large numbers to continue these protests on Monday until our demands are met. The two-pronged approach of violence and propaganda has failed.

    “The violence and repressions are just attempts to silence and control us, and the propaganda cannot sway or fool us.”

    Solomon Odeniyi
    The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.

     

  • Planned Protest: DSS issues strong warnings to protesters, identifies organizers

    Planned Protest: DSS issues strong warnings to protesters, identifies organizers

    The Department of State Services (DSS) is urging individuals and groups planning a nationwide protest to reconsider and avoid any actions that could lead to disorder and destruction.

     

    In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunaya, the DSS acknowledged that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, it has uncovered a plot by certain elements to infiltrate the protest and incite chaos and violence.

     

    The statement explained that the underlying motive of the protest is political, with the plotters aiming to use the potential violence to discredit the federal and state governments, making them unpopular and turning public sentiment against them, with the ultimate goal of achieving regime change at the national level.

     

    The DSS also noted that it has identified the funding sources, sponsors, and collaborators behind the plot. It is urging parents, guardians, and leaders of traditional and educational institutions to advise their children, wards, subjects, and students not to participate in the protest.

     

    “The Service has identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. However, it believes that aggression should not be the first line of action in addressing the emerging scenario,” the DSS stated.

     

    The statement further mentioned that the DSS will cooperate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and, if necessary, will use all legitimate methods to do so.

     

    The protest, scheduled for August 1, is intended to express dissatisfaction with the current economic hardship in the country. However, government authorities are calling for patience and urging organizers to trust in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

  • DSS uncovers plots to infiltrate nationwide protest

    DSS uncovers plots to infiltrate nationwide protest

    The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has uncovered plans by some elements to infiltrate the planned protest by some Nigerians to cause chaos and violence in the country.

    Dr Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communication of DSS,  said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    “While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest.

    “The idea is to use the protest to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land.

    “It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political.

    “The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses.

    “The long term objective is to achieve a regime change especially at the centre,” he said.

    He said the service had also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot.

    The DSS spokesman faulted the planned use of aggression as the first line action in handling the emerging scenario.

    He called for application of non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles.

    He said these strategies  would dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.

    “Based on the foregoing, the service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.

    “Government at different levels have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions.

    “The service is calling on prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace,” he said.

    He said the call had become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property, as well as serve as a distraction to governance.

    Afunanya urged the agitators to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.

    He enjoined people of goodwill, leaders of thought, captains of industry, labour unions, student associations and others to shun any invitation to participate in in the planned protest.

    Afunanya urged parents, guardians, heads of traditional and academic institutions to advise their children, wards, subjects and students not to take part in the planned protest.

    He said the service would work with other sister security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace.

    According to him, where necessary, the service will apply all legitimate methods to achieve and maintain peace in the country.

    He said the service could be reach on its website, dss.gov.ng; email address – dsspr@dss.gov.ng and telephone on +2349153391309; +2349088373514.

  • DSS arrest Kano man for advertising T-Shirts for upcoming protest

    DSS arrest Kano man for advertising T-Shirts for upcoming protest

    The Department of State Services (DSS) have allegedly arrested Bashir Abubakar, a Kano business man for advertising T-Shirts he made for the upcoming nationwide protest.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Nigerians are planning a nationwide protest to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the country.

    According to Muhammad Mustapha Umar in a Facebook post on Sunday, Abubakar had posted the shirt “END BAD GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA 2024 AREWA MU FARKA” for those who were interested in the protest to purchase when he was arrested by the Nigerian security at Kwari Market.

    Reacting to the arrest, former presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore who condemned the arrest said a team of lawyers has been sent to the Kano directorate of @OfficialDSSNG to get Bashir Abubakar released immediately.

    He further added the security agency was also asked to withdraw their bogus charges against Junaidu Abdullahi (Abusalma), who was sent to Kano prison last Friday for posting the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria viral video on @tiktok_us.

    Sowore added that “the DSS initially denied that they arrested Bashir, but when they were confronted with evidence, they “pleaded” that they needed more time to process him. The trick is to send him to a Kangaroo court early tomorrow morning and send him straight to prison as they did “Abusalma”But we should warn that it will backfire spectacularly as activists in Kano are watching. The @OfficialDSSNG must release these two activists immediately.”

  • Northern group sends strong letter to Police, DSS ahead nationwide protest

    Northern group sends strong letter to Police, DSS ahead nationwide protest

    A northern group, the Northern Initiative for Growth on Tuesday notified the Inspector General of Police at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja of their intention to hold a peaceful protest on August 1st, 2024.

    The group in the letter dated 16th July sighted by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) stated that the protest aims to shine a spotlight on pressing regional issues and advocate for meaningful reforms.

    “This protest is our democratic right to address critical issues affecting our region,” stated a spokesperson from the Northern Initiative for Growth Northern.

    “We seek to foster positive change through peaceful means.”

    The group further urged the Police boss to ensure maximum security and order throughout upcoming demonstration.

    “It is imperative that the constitutional rights of all participants are respected,” emphasized the spokesperson.

    “We urge law enforcement to exercise restraint and avoid any form of excessive force.”

    Acknowledging the importance of maintaining public safety and preventing disruptions, the initiative highlighted their commitment to ensuring a peaceful protest environment.

    They expressed confidence in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to enforce necessary security measures effectively.

    “We rely on your leadership to protect protesters and uphold law and order,” the spokesperson continued.

    “This protest should serve as a constructive dialogue for change without unnecessary disturbances.”

  • BREAKING: DSS denies arresting Juwon Sanyaolu

    BREAKING: DSS denies arresting Juwon Sanyaolu

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied inviting, arresting or detaining the National Coordinator of Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Sanyaolu, one of the coordinators of the June 12 #WeAreHungry protests held in many States on Wednesday, had been declared missing.

    The pro-democracy and human rights group had accused the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as responsible for the disappearance of Sanyaolu.

    “Juwon Sanyaolu, Coordinator of TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT is NOT with the DSS. He was NOT invited, arrested or detained by the Service,” the DSS disclosed via its official X account.

    The DSS and the police had been silent on the arrest of the activist since his ‘abduction’ on Tuesday night in Lagos.

    Recall that a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and the African Action Congress on Tuesday night announced the arrest of Juwon, one of the coordinators of #WeAreHungry nationwide protest, ahead of the demonstration on Wednesday, June 12.

    The CSOs and African Action Congress in their statement announcing the arrest said, “Information reaching us as at 10.05 pm is that one of the coordinators of the #WeAreHungry Protests slated for tomorrow 12 June 2024 has been arrested by security agents in Lagos, following series of threats by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force to clampdown on peaceful democracy day protest.

    “Around 10 pm, Comrade Sanyaolu Juwon, the National Coordinator of the TIB sent distress messages to members of the movement saying he has been arrested and taken to an unknown location. Efforts to reach him have been futile.

    “We are not surprised at this strategy of intimidation but the news we have for this tyrannical and ruinous Tinubu regime is that the arrest is rather too late. The veil is off and Nigerians can see through the cluelessness of this government.

    “We want to state categorically that the tactics of the Nigeria Security apparatus already mobilized by the Presidency, is too late. Nigerian are not deterred as they have resolved to protest against hardship and nothing shall stop them tomorrow.”

    TIB on Wednesday demanded his immediate release.

    A statement by TIB National PRO/Media, Comrade Olabiyi Ade Stephen, demanded an end to the harassment of peaceful protesters in the country.

    He added that the police and DSS must recognise the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

  • June 12: DSS raises alarm of plots to ‘scatter’ Democracy Day celebration

    June 12: DSS raises alarm of plots to ‘scatter’ Democracy Day celebration

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm of plots to use protests to disrupt Wednesday’s (today) celebration of June 12 2024 Democracy Day.

    This is contained in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by Peter Afunanya, Director of PR and Strategic Communications of the DSS.

    According to the statement, the DSS disclosed that “certain individuals and groups will stage physical protests in some parts of the country on 12th June, 2024”, which it noted may turn violent.

    The Service, meanwhile, warned that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the federal government.

    The DSS in the statement rather encouraged displeased persons to appropriately channel their grievances through other channels and procedures.

    The statement reads in full below:

    “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to plans by certain individuals and groups to stage physical protests in some parts of the country on 12th June, 2024.

    “The protests are designed with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day Celebration.

    “While citizens may have the rights of assembly and expression, such freedoms should not be used to undermine public safety and national security.

    “The determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations that may turn violent will not be tolerated.

    “However, it is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the federal government to amicably address all contentions, including the minimum wage.

    “Citizens are, therefore, called upon to resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation.

    “Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures.

    “Consequently, the DSS reaffirms its unequivocal position to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by disgruntled groups to cause a breakdown of law and order.

    “It will also sustain collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including sister security agencies, to maintain the peace as well as protect lives and property across the nation.

    “Law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their businesses without fear.

    “The Service, while felicitating the government and citizens on this auspicious occasion of celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy, calls for continued patriotism, unity and commitment in building a Nigeria of our collective dream.

    “Meanwhile, the DSS website, dss.gov.ng; email address- dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 remain open to the public in the event that there is need to contact it”.

  • Nnamdi Kanu sues DSS DG, Bichi over contempt

    Nnamdi Kanu sues DSS DG, Bichi over contempt

    Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed contempt charge against the Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, over his alleged refusal to obey court orders.

    Kanu, through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, on Monday filed Form 49 titled: “Notice to Show Cause Why An Order Of Committal Should Not Be Made,” at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.

    The application, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, is dated and filed on June 10.

    While the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as complainant/1st respondent, Yusuf Magaji Bichi is listed as 2nd respondent/contemnor.

    The IPOB leader alleged that despite being served with the orders of the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako of a FHC in Abuja, made on May 20, Bichi had refused to comply with the said orders.

    Justice Nyako had, on May 20, declined to grant an application filed by Kanu to set aside his 2017 bail revocation following the allegation that he jumped bail.

    The judge also refused to transfer him to Kuje Correctional Centre or place him under house arrest as requested.

    However, Justice Nyako reviewed conditions for visiting the IPOB leader at the DSS facility by his lawyers.

    In a ruling, she varied the visitation days from two to three days in a week.

    The judge ordered that Kanu should be given a safe and “clean” room to prepare for his defence with his team of counsel not exceeding five in number, instead of three lawyers that was formerly directed.

    She equally ordered that Kanu and his lawyers should be allowed such a facility that is required for the preparation of his defence and be allowed to take notes.

    However, in the application, Kanu alleged that the DSS DG had failed to abide by the orders.

    It reads:in part: “Take Notice that the Defendant will on the ____day of _______, 2024, at the hour of 9 o’clock in the forenoon apply to this court for an order for your committal to prison for having disobeyed the order of this court made on the 20th day of May 2024, which stated in pertinent part as follows:

    “You have not complied with the 3 (three) days per week visitation to the Applicant as was ordered by the court.

    “You have not provided a safe and ‘clean’ room to the Applicant at the present facility to prepare for his defense with his team of counsel.

    “You have not allowed such facility that is required for the preparation of the Applicant’s defence, which facility you have disallowed on every visitation since the said order was entered, as set out below:

    “Interdiction, seizure, perusal and photocopying of legal documents relating to the trial preparation of the Applicant.

    “By not retracing your steps after you were, on the 31st day of May 2024, served with a Form 48; Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court.

    “AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you are hereby required to attend the court on the first-mentioned day to show cause why an Order for your Committal should not be made.”

  • Nnamdi Kanu files contempt charge against DSS DG, Bichi

    Nnamdi Kanu files contempt charge against DSS DG, Bichi

    The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed contempt charge against the Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, over his alleged refusal to obey court orders.

    Kanu, through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, on Monday filed Form 49 titled: “Notice to Show Cause Why An Order Of Committal Should Not Be Made,” at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.

    The application, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, is dated and filed on June 10.

    According to reports, while the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as complainant/1st respondent, Yusuf Magaji Bichi is listed as 2nd respondent/contemnor.

    The IPOB leader alleged that despite being served with the orders of the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako of a FHC in Abuja, made on May 20, Bichi had refused to comply with the said orders.

    Justice Nyako had, on May 20, declined to grant an application filed by Kanu to set aside his 2017 bail revocation following the allegation that he jumped bail.

    The judge also refused to transfer him to Kuje Correctional Centre or place him under house arrest as requested.

    However, Justice Nyako reviewed conditions for visiting the IPOB leader at the DSS facility by his lawyers.

    In a ruling, she varied the visitation days from two to three days in a week.

    The judge ordered that Kanu should be given a safe and “clean” room to prepare for his defence with his team of counsel not exceeding five in number, instead of three lawyers that was formerly directed.

    She equally ordered that Kanu and his lawyers should be allowed such a facility that is required for the preparation of his defence and be allowed to take notes.

    However, in the application, Kanu alleged that the DSS DG had failed to abide by the orders.

    It reads:in part: “Take Notice that the Defendant will on the ____day of _______, 2024, at the hour of 9 o’clock in the forenoon apply to this court for an order for your committal to prison for having disobeyed the order of this court made on the 20th day of May 2024, which stated in pertinent part as follows:

    “You have not complied with the 3 (three) days per week visitation to the Applicant as was ordered by the court.

    “You have not provided a safe and ‘clean’ room to the Applicant at the present facility to prepare for his defense with his team of counsel.

    “You have not allowed such facility that is required for the preparation of the Applicant’s defence, which facility you have disallowed on every visitation since the said order was entered, as set out below:

    “Interdiction, seizure, perusal and photocopying of legal documents relating to the trial preparation of the Applicant.

    “By not retracing your steps after you were, on the 31st day of May 2024, served with a Form 48; Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court.

    “AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you are hereby required to attend the court on the first-mentioned day to show cause why an Order for your Committal should not be made.”

    NAN

  • DSS denies invading Emir of Kano’s palace

    DSS denies invading Emir of Kano’s palace

    The Department of State Service (DSS) has denied invading the palace of the Emir of Kano, stressing that the media reports were not correct.

    The State Director of DSS, Mr Muhammad Alhassan said this when he spoke with newsmen in Kano.

    Alhassan said that the DSS only deployed personnel to the palace as part of security arrangement for the visit of the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, to the Emir.

    He said, however, that the personnel were withdrawn, following the postponement of the visit due to the absence of the Emir.

    He said that there was no iota of truth in the report alleging that DSS operatives stormed the Emir’s Palace in connection with the recent development at the State House of Assembly.

    He urged Nigerians to disregard the false and malicious report, which he said was aimed at causing unnecessary tension and misinformation.

    The State House of Assembly had on Thursday repealed the Kano Emirates Council Law, 2019, thereby dissolving the Emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Karaye and Rano.