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Tag: dss

  • JUST IN: DSS nabs Bello Bodejo, Miyetti Allah leader

    JUST IN: DSS nabs Bello Bodejo, Miyetti Allah leader

    Operatives of the Department of State Services have nabbed the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, over the creation of a vigilante group in Nasarawa State.

    Bodejo was arrested on Tuesday at the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office, Tundun Maliya Cattle Market, Kilometre 22, Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Tundun-Wada, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    The DSS operatives alongside some soldiers of the Nigerian Army, were said to have stormed the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office close to Goshen Church, at about 3:40 pm on Tuesday, as they drove off after arresting Bodejo at the gate.

    A DSS revealed that Bodejo was arrested over fears that the creation of the Nomad’s Vigilante Group could cause violence across the country.

    He added that the group was not registered with the DSS, the police, or any other security agency, hence it is not recognised by the Federal Government.

    The source said, “Our (DSS) operatives and soldiers of the Nigerian Army stormed the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office in Nasarawa this afternoon, and we’ve arrested their National President, Bello Bodejo, for creating a vigilante group that is not recognised by the government.

    “The creation of that nomad’s vigilante group could cause violence in the country. The group was not registered with the DSS, the police, or any other security agency, and the group is not recognised by the Federal Government.”

    When contacted over the development, the DSS’ spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, did not respond to phone calls and text messages by our correspondent.

    Meanwhile, following the creation of the vigilante group, Bodejo had emphasised that the volunteer vigilantes would strictly adhere to the country’s existing laws during their operations.

    During the inauguration in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Bodejo urged the volunteer vigilantes to work in collaboration with the Police, Army, and other security agencies to ensure a more comprehensive approach to security across the 13 local councils of Nasarawa.

  • Security: DSS seeks commitment to solution-oriented, developmental journalism

    Security: DSS seeks commitment to solution-oriented, developmental journalism

    The Department of State Security Services (DSS) in Sokoto State has called for increased commitment to solution-oriented and developmental journalism in order to address security challenges in the state.

    Mr Fatai Olawuwo, the DSS Director in the state, made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council.

    Olawuwo stressed the importance of thorough investigation before reporting on matters related to public safety.

    Speaking on the role of journalists in maintaining security and peaceful coexistence of the country, the DSS director, urged media organisations to focus on providing reports based on solutions and development.

    “As professionals, NUJ plays a crucial role in maintaining the security structure by ensuring that all publicised reports focus on solutions and development,” he said.

    Olawuwo assured of enhanced collaboration with the council to fulfill the service mandate in maintaining internal security.

    He urged journalists in the state to maintain neutrality and to successfully achieve the goals of solution-oriented and developmental journalism.

    The council’s Chairman, Malam Dalhatu Abdullahi, explained that the visit aimed to familiarise the union with the director and his management team.

    He highlighted the shared goals of the union and DSS in working for Nigeria’s security, peace, and development.

    “As journalists, our primary concern is to provide solutions to problems and convey government policies to the public’s understanding,” Abdullahi said.

    He, however, expressed NUJ’s readiness to closely collaborate with the DSS, pledging to work toward achieving a peaceful environment.

    Abdullahi also appealed for increased synergy with the service to ensure working journalists contribute effectively to citizens’ safety and security.

     

  • Tension as DSS takes over  Supreme Court over Nnamdi Kanu’s judgment

    Tension as DSS takes over  Supreme Court over Nnamdi Kanu’s judgment

    Following the Supreme court judgment in a suit by the Federal Government against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB Nnamdi Kanu, operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have taken over security arrangement of the apex Court.

    The make or mar judgment is expected to be delivered by the apex court today.

    DSS operatives blocked the road leading to the court and the Villa gate, turning back litigants and sympathisers of the self acclaimed IPOB leader.

    Journalists accredited by the Supreme Court with official tags were also turned back from accessing the court premises.

    The main entrance into the courtroom was blocked with an unmarked security vehicle where journalists were thoroughly frisked before being allowed entry.

    At the time of this report, the Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun-led panel is being awaited to make the decision of the court known.

    The Supreme Court had, on October 5, slated today to deliver its judgment on the appeal that is seeking to compel the Federal Government to release the embattled leader of IPOB from detention.

    A five-member panel of the apex court headed by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, okayed the matter for judgement, after counsel for both parties adopted their final briefs of argument.

  • Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho speaks on turning to cat to evade DSS arrest

    Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho speaks on turning to cat to evade DSS arrest

    Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho has finally reacted to rumours that went viral that he transformed into a cat during a midnight raid on his home by the Department of State Services (DSS) in July 2021.

    Igboho has now debunked the rumour saying nothing of such happened during the DSS raid.

    According to him, the DSS fired sporadically during the raid, killing multiple cats.

    Continuing he said, DSS wanted to arrest him dead or alive.

    His words, “It is true that some cats were killed during the attack? Because the DSS just kept firing bullets in all directions. I was rearing cats as pets, and I had many of them in my house. So, anything or movement attracted sporadic gunshots.

    “Their mission was to either kill me or arrest me and take me to an unknown destination, but the Almighty God is greater than anybody in this world, including the despotic ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    Igboho added that he does not know whether the DSS brought three herbalists during the raid.

  • DSS opens up on alleged looting of palliative fund, others by its boss, Yusuf Bichi

    DSS opens up on alleged looting of palliative fund, others by its boss, Yusuf Bichi

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday opened up on allegations levied against its Director-General, Yusuf Bichi by one Jackson Ude on his X (Twitter) handle.

    Dr Peter Afunanya, DSS Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, denied the claims by Ude, a notorous fake news pedler in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

    For one, the Service denies claims that Bichi looted funds budgeted as subsidy palliative for the welfare of Staff of DSS.

    The DSS said contrary to the claim, Bichi gives top priority to staff welfare and judicious application of human and material resources without blemish.

    Afunanya therefore said the allegations were false, adding that neither the D-G nor anyone acting on his directive had looted staff subsidy grant.

    He added that no such grant had been made available to the Service as such could not have been looted.

    He said Bichi had catered for the welfare of active and retired personnel adding that it was common knowledge that could be verified by Ude.

    The so called “goodbye allowance” which Ude accused the D-G of granting himself is non-existent. It is only an imagination of the writer and his sponsors.

    “But assuming the DG is paid any severance package at the end of his tenure, how is that unethical and outside established public service rule?
    “While Ude is at his mischief once again and has continued to smear the image of Bichi as well as present him as corrupt, facts at the DSS show otherwise,” he said.

    He added that from his retirement in 2018 and appointment as the DSS D-G, Bichi has remained spartan, accountable, transparent and incorruptible.

    Afunanya said the DSS boss had also been resolute in running the Service and showed uncommon commitment in the management of its affairs.

    “Notably, the Service is aware of the desperation and antics of Ude and his other hirelings to associate it with unnecessary controversies either during the 2023 Presidential election or the subsequent litigations following it.

    “The recent campaign of calumny is one of such, but as always, the DSS boss is unperturbed.

    The Service under him will continue to chart a professional course aimed at internal security of the country,” he said.

    Afunanya therefore, urged the public to disregard the falsehood being peddled by Ude, whom he described as an known fake news merchant whose only stock in trade was to misinform and create division and violence.

    He said the DSS boss would take appropriate legal steps to seek redress.

  • DSS, Army arrest ISWAP leader

    DSS, Army arrest ISWAP leader

    The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has arrested the leader of Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) terrorist group.

    According to the announcement made by the DHQ, the ISWAP leader was arrested by the joint effort of the e Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services, DSS.

    This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba.

    A statement by Buba reads partly: “Troops are targeting the leadership of these groups to ensure they pose no further threat to the safety and security of citizens.

    “Significantly, on 29 Nov 23, at Tarum Village located on the outside of Bauchi Metropolis in Bauchi State.

    “Troops collaborated with personnel of DSS to conduct a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of the leader of ISWAP terrorist group in charge of North Central and North West Zones.

    “He is in custody. Similarly, air interactions have been conducted on several enclaves of these terrorist leaders in the NW and NC zones with much success.”

  • Court dismisses Boko Haram suspect, Maina’s suit against DSS

    Court dismisses Boko Haram suspect, Maina’s suit against DSS

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed a suit filed by Abba Maina, linked to Boko Haram activities, against the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, held that the suit, which sought Maina’s release, was an abuse of the court process since a similar suit was pending before an FCT High Court.

    Justice Ekwo said instituting different actions between the same parties simultaneously in different courts even though on different grounds amounted to an abuse of court process.

    The judge, therefore, agreed with the DSS and its Director-General (DG) that the fundamental rights suit marked: CV270/2022 before Justice A.Y. Shafa of FCT High Court filed on Nov. 4, 2022, was similar to the instant case marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2090/2022.

    “This is clearly a situation where the applicant has fallen into the temptation of instituting different actions between the same parties simultaneously in different courts even though on different grounds.

    “The applicant could have clearly avoided this situation by taking one of the options available to him by law, exhausting one remedy before going for another assuming that the next action would not be caught by principle of res judicata.

    “Consequently, nothing else is worthy of any consideration where a suit is found to be an abuse of process of court.

    “It is on this premise that I make an order dismissing this case for being an abuse of process of court., This is the order of this court,” he declared.

    Maina had, in the originating motion dated Nov. 22, 2022, sued the DSS and its DG as 1st and 2nd respondents.

    The applicant sought an order mandating the respondents to produce him in court to enable the court inquire into the circumstances constituting the grounds of his continuous detention since Sept. 19, 2022.

    Maina also sought an order admitting him to bail pursuant to the provisions of Sections 32(3), 32 (1) and (2),  and 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, 36 (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws.

    Giving six grounds why his reliefs should be granted, Maina, who described himself as “a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria,” said he was arrested on Sept. 19, 2022, by DSS officers at an Abuja branch of Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) over allegations of committing an undisclosed offence.

    He said the respondents kept him in detention in flagrant disregard to constitutional provisions which placed responsibility on law enforcement agency to charge a suspect to court within 24 or 48 hours.

    But the security outfit argued that the suit constituted an abuse of court process, having filed similar suit in another court.

    The DSS alleged that on Sept. 12, it received an intelligence from its Borno  Command of plans to send N10 million to facilitate the relocation of some members of Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lid-Dawa’awati wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, from Borno to a Boko Haram Camp in Kaduna State, by one Kaura (FNU), the armourer of the terror group

    It said upon further investigation, it was revealed that Kaura (FNU) requested for the bank account numbers from one Baba Guraba and Bayero (FNU), who were Boko Haram commanders positioned around Bama Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno, to facilitate the payment of the money.

    The agency revealed that Bayero (FNU) sent a United Bank for Africa (UBA) account number: 2196498467 belonging to one Basiru Hassan and a GTB account number: 025264587 belonging to Maina.

    It alleged that while N6 million was paid into Hassan’s account, N4 million was paid into Maina’s  account and that intelligence gathering efforts revealed that Kaura (FNU) directed those transfers and withdrawals be made through Point of Sale (POS) operators.

    “Kaura (FNU) paid in a first instalment of N2 million only into the GTB account number 0025264587 belonging to the applicant.

    “Based on this intelligence gathering efforts, the Borno State Command of the 1st respondent sought and obtained the orders of court to flag the said account numbers by placing a Post-No-Debit (PND) order and requested that the account holders be apprehended whenever sighted,” it said.

    The DSS said on Sept. 19th, 2022, Maina was arrested at GTB, adjacent the National Mosque, Central Business District, Abuja, when he came to ascertain why he could not withdraw the funds lodged into his account.

    The agency alleged that Maina was immediately apprehended and taken into custody “on reasonable suspicion of being involved in providing of facilities in support of terrorist acts, financing of terrorism, dealing in terrorist’s property and his alleged roles in the facilitation of the migration and/or relocation of terrorists within Nigeria.”

    It alleged that upon investigation, it was discovered that Maina was not a law-abiding citizen “but acts as a courier and a facilitator to the Boko Haram terrorist group.”

    It also alleged that upon his arrest, he was duly informed of his alleged offences in line with the provisions of the law.

    “Due to the gravity of the alleged offence, the arrest of the applicant could not be made public in order not to disrupt a rather progressive investigation to apprehend other members of the terrorist group who were already on their way to Kaduna and other adjoining states,” it further alleged.

    The DSS, which described Maina as “a flight risk” and that he would jump bail if released on administrative bail, said the suit was an abuse of court process.

    It prayed the court to dismiss it.

  • DSS re-arraigns alleged mastermind of 2014 Kano bombings

    DSS re-arraigns alleged mastermind of 2014 Kano bombings

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday in Abuja re-arraigned Husseni Ismaila (aka Maitangaran), the alleged mastermind of the 2014 multiple bomb attacks in Kano at the Federal High Court.

    When the matter was called, the prosecuting counsel, Mr E.A. Aduda, told the court that the DSS had filed an amended charge of four counts against the defendant and prayed the court to read the charge to the defendant to take his plea.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to all four count charges, which read in part:

    “That you Husseni Ismaila, alias Maitangaran, 34-year-old male, professed to be a member of Boko Haram, a terrorist group, therefore contravening provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013, and punishable under the same act.

    “That you Husseni Ismaila, alias Maitangaran, 34-year-old male in 2014, directly participated in an act of terrorism and made a video message confessing to the crime of bombing the Kano Central Mosque.

    “This led to the death of many Nigerians, including  police personnel. The act contravened Section 1(2) (8) of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013, and is punishable under the same act.”

    The prosecuting counsel prayed the court to proceed with the trial in view of the not guilty plea of the defendant.

    The defence counsel, Mr Peter Dajang, however told the court that the trial should not go on because the prosecution had flaunted a valid order of the court.

    According to Dajang, the court on Dec. 6, 2021, ordered the prosecution to transfer the defendant from its custody to the Kuje Correctional Centre.

    This, he said, was to enable his lawyers and family members have access to him, but the DSS was yet to obey the order as the defendant was still in its custody.

    He added that the prosecution did not appeal the order when it was made by the court, and further argued that the court could not sit on appeal over its own ruling.

    The defence counsel also argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the application of the prosecution to vary the order on the grounds that it was made on Dec. 6, 2021 and the prosecution had only six days to apply for a variation.

    “If the prosecution had intended to make an application to vary, they ought to have done that within time which is six days.

    “Looking at the application which is seven months after the order was made, there is no prayer seeking the leave of court to file the application out of time.

    “Also we submit that an order of court is a final decision of that court. When the order was made, parties were represented.

    “The proper thing to have done was to appeal the decision and not to ask the court to sit on appeal over its decision, moreso that the time for filing an appeal has long passed.

    The prosecuting counsel, however, told the court that the order was yet to be complied with because he had filed an application praying the court to vary the order.

    The judge adjourned the matter till Jan. 25, 2024. to rule on the application to vary the order it made that the defendant be transferred to Kuje.

    He also fixed Feb. 7, 2024, for continuation of the substantive matter.

  • Army, DSS foil terrorist attack in Kano

    Army, DSS foil terrorist attack in Kano

    Joint troops of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully foiled an imminent attack on Kano by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the troops of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army in close cooperation with the DSS, raided the terrorists’ hideout in the early hours of Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

    He said the operation was aimed at uncovering and apprehending suspected Boko Haram terrorists believed to be planning a major operation in the state.

    “Consequently, the troops swiftly swung into action and apprehended two two suspects, who are now in custody.

    “During the operation, the joint troops recovered five AK 47 Rifles, five AK 47 Rifle Magazines, one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG and five RPG Bombs.

    “Others are six: Hand Grenades, five pairs of Desert Camouflage Uniforms, 10 pairs of magazine pouches and some Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said interagency cooperation between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as exemplified in the conduct of the operation, was a testament of the strength of their collective resolve to defeat insurgency and other security challenges.

    He added that the successful operation reinforced the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property of citizens.

    “The NA remains resolute in its effort to counter and degrade insurgency and other forms of security challenges across the country.

    “We entreat members of the public to be vigilant and collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid the ongoing operations to curb insecurity.

    “The Nigerian Army reiterates its dedication to the protection of our beloved nation and appreciates the support and trust of the Nigerian people,” he said.

  • Court orders unconditional release of Emefiele

    Court orders unconditional release of Emefiele

    A Federal High Sitting in Abuja has ordered the unconditional release of Mr Godwin Emefiele, the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the federal high court presided over by Hon. Justice O. A. Adeniyi ordered the release.

    Recall that following the suspension of Emefiele as CBN Governor by President Bola Tinubu on June 9, the Department of State Services (DSS) announced his arrest and detention on June 10.

    It was also reported that Emefiele was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on October 26 less than an hour after the DSS released him.

    The EFCC was said to be probing him over alleged impropriety during his term as the head of the apex bank.

    However, on Thursday (today), Justice Adeniyi ordered the EFCC along with other respondents to release the embattled former CBN Governor “unconditionally” or produce him in court on Monday 6th November, 2023.

    The court order directing the unconditional release of Emefiele reads in full below:

    Upon reading the Motion Ex parte filed on 31» October, 2023 and the accompanying affidavit of Dr. Okanta Emefiele praying this Honourable Court for the following:

    1. AN ORDER directing immediate and unconditional release of the Applicant from the custody of the 3rd and 4 Respondents pending the hearing and the determination of the Originating Motion.

    2. AND FOR SUCH FURTHER OR OTHER ORDERS as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

    And upon listening to A Labi-Lawal, Esq. (with Olawale Fapohunda, Esq. Dr. S. M. Oyeghe; I. B. Ahmad, Esq) of learned counsel for the Applicant moving in terms of the motion paper:

    IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

    Accordingly, the 3rd & 4th Respondents are hereby ordered to unconditionally release the Applicant from detention forthwith; or in the alternative produce him in Court on the date fixed for hearing of the substantive motion on notice for purposes of being admitted to bail by the Court.

    Accordingly, it is hereby further ordered that the motion on notice shall be heard on Monday, 6/11/2023, by 1pm prompt. The instant order, together with the motion on notice shall be served on the Respondents today, 2/11/2023.