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Tag: DSS

  • EFCC Speaks on DSS arrest of Doyin Okupe

    EFCC Speaks on DSS arrest of Doyin Okupe

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commented on the arrest of Doyin Okupe.

    The ex-Director General of the Peter Obi-Datti Baba Ahmed Campaign was detained earlier on Thursday.

    The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested him at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

    The former presidential adviser confirmed he was heading to the United Kingdom for medical attention.

    EFCC Head of Media, Wilson Uwujaren said the DSS informed the commission of the interception.

    The spokesperson noted that the security agency acted on a watchlist request issued on July 18, 2016.

    That was six years before Okupe’s recent conviction on money laundering charges by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    “The Commission was in the process of formally lifting the watch list before his interception and will expedite action in this regard”, Uwujaren added.

    Okupe, who has been released, disclosed that EFCC senior officers in Lagos or Abuja “apologised for the error”.

  • APP Wants DSS Boss’ Wife Arrested

    APP Wants DSS Boss’ Wife Arrested

    The Action People’s Party (APP), on Monday demand arrest of the Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, following his wife’s alleged attack on the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Abba Yusuf.

    APP national chairman, Uche Nnadi, made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday.

    Nnadi lamented that the continued stay in office of the DSS DG is a huge source of concern.

    The statement said in recent accusations trailing the secret service agency in the past weeks, pose a threat to President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise of free and fair elections.

     
    It recalled the discovery of a secret suit before an Abuja court, eventually thwarted, filed by the DSS seeking arrest of CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over trumped up allegation of terrorism financing
     

    The statement also recalled attempt to get INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud, sacked allegedly to prevent use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the forthcoming general elections.

    According to the statement, these unwarranted attacks especially the alleged detention of the Kano NNPP governorship candidate, Abba Yusuf, on the orders of the DG’s wife, Aisha, and the attack on President of Middle Belt Youth Forum and PDP House of Assembly Candidate in Kogi State, Godwin Meliga, won’t be let go unpunished or ignored by political parties.

    It insisted that the DG of DSS, Yusuf Bichi, should be arrested for his alleged involvement in the attack and detention of Kano gubernatorial candidate, as well as other recent alleged unlawful actions by the security agency.

  • We Have No Case Against INEC Chairman – DSS

    We Have No Case Against INEC Chairman – DSS

    Justice M. A. Hassan, on Wednesday, refused the application seeking to remove INEC chairman from office over alleged false asset declaration.

    The judge held that Prof Yakubu’s asset declaration was lawful, valid and in compliance with the law.

    The ruling followed an originating summons marked FCT/HC/GAR/CV/47/2022 by Somadina Uzoabaka against the Attorney General of the Federation and Prof. Yakubu, seeking among others things, an order of mandatory injunction directing and compelling the INEC chairman to recuse himself from office pending the investigation and consideration of the various allegations against him by the various law enforcement agencies.

    In his reaction, Afunanya said it was important to clarify that the DSS has no court case against INEC Chairman.

    The statement read, “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to a 5th January, 2023 online publication by the Daily Trust in which it reported that “Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman”.

    “This statement, however, becomes important to guide public understanding and perception, especially that the said report is misleading. It falsely left an impression that the Service went to Court against the INEC Chairman.

    “Nonetheless, the Service is aware of the antics of some mischievous elements who are desirous of fomenting crisis in the country, including creating unnecessary controversies around the forthcoming general elections.

    “One of their strategies is to subvert the efforts of the Service in ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony.

    “Another is a determination to overheat the polity and subtly exploit the judiciary to distract or even undermine not only the Service but other security and law enforcement agencies from undertaking their constitutional roles.

    “The DSS, therefore, warns these individuals and groups to desist from their devious plans. It also advises all critical stakeholders to be vigilant and resist attempts to use them to thwart the law.

    “While assuring Nigerians and the International Community of the Service’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order, including an accomplishment of a free and fair 2023 election as already pledged by President and Commander-in-Chief, the Service urges all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity.”

  • Gov. Bello Applauds DSS For Prompt Action, Arrest Of Terrorists Of Okene Bomb Explosion

    Gov. Bello Applauds DSS For Prompt Action, Arrest Of Terrorists Of Okene Bomb Explosion

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has applauded the Department of State Security for its prompt action towards the arrest of the mastermind of the bomb explosion of Okene in the state.

    In a press release made available to Journalists in Lokoja by the state commissioner for information and communication, Kingsley Fanwo expressed gratitude to the Department for unmasking the terrorists behind the Okene explosion of Thursday 29th December, 2022.

    He noted that “the promptness of action of the Department has further steeled our trust in the security agencies.”

    “The arrest of the principal characters has justified our position that enemies of the state are again breeding terror cells that had been crushed by the indomitable security architecture of the present administration.”

    “If not for the masterclass security architecture of the State Government, it would have been turned into a terror zone by the enemies of the state. We call on the DSS and other security agencies to dig deeper into the matter to unravel the real intent of the attackers and how to avert future reoccurrence.”

    “We want to assure the good people of Kogi State that the administration is prepared to ruthlessly tackle the handful of insecurity in the state. We wil ensure criminals and their sponsors have no place in Kogi state.”

    The unbending capacity and commitment of the Governor to security has been further proven in fulfilment of his promise that “if the criminals come in their numbers, they will return in their zeros. Kogi State will remain inhabitable for cowards masquerading as criminals.”

    “As we prepare for the 2023 general elections, we call on political actors of all political parties to shun political terrorism and discourage their supporters from fomenting trouble as the Government of Kogi State will not tolerate any form of peace breach.”

    He assured the people of Kogi State that the State Government will spare no resources in ensuring the state remains peaceful, united and safe. 

  • Court Stops DSS, Others From Investigating INEC Boss

    Court Stops DSS, Others From Investigating INEC Boss

    FCT High Court has stopped an application seeking to remove the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu from office over alleged false asset declaration.

    Justice M. A. Hassan on Wednesday refused the application alongside the 14 reliefs brought by the claimants.

    The judge held that Prof Yakubu’s asset declaration was lawful, valid and in compliance with the law.

    He barred the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police, and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from arresting Yakubu.

    The ruling followed an originating summons marked FCT/HC/GAR/CV/47/2022 by Somadina Uzoabaka against the Attorney General of the Federation and Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, seeking among others things, an order of mandatory injunction directing and compelling the INEC chairman to recuse, excuse and exclude himself and or step down as the chairman of INEC pending the investigation and consideration of the various allegations against him by the various law enforcement agencies.

    The plaintiff also sought an order of court stopping the INEC chairman from holding or assuming any public office for a period of 10 years.

    Prof Yakubu, in his response to the allegation, presented details of his filings before the court with exhibits showing the sources of money for the purchase of the properties which the plaintiff alleged were illegally acquired and insisted that his assets declarations were validly done.

  • Okene Explosion: DSS apprehends mastermind

    Okene Explosion: DSS apprehends mastermind

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack of the 29th December, 2022, near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State.

    In the release by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of the Department of State Services National Headquarters, Abuja and made available to the press on Wednesday said the explosion occurred while expecting the visit of President Muhammad Buhari.

    “The Service arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu SULEIMAN on 3rd January, 2023. OTARU sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.”

    During investigations, ” it was ascertained that OTARU was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either allegedly coordinated or was involved in the following dastardly operations:

    “The 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State. A Police Inspector, Idris MUSA was killed and two (2) AK-47 rifles carted away in that attack”.

    “The 5th July, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and
    5th August, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three
    Indian expatriates were kidnapped.”

    It would be recalled that five (5) persons including one (1) Indian, two (2) Policemen and two (2) drivers of the company were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriates were released on 31st August, 2022.

    “OTARU operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States.”

    Meanwhile, the suspects, according to the release are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.

    The Service reiterated its commitment to the safety of the nation. “It assures to work assiduously with stakeholders including sister security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security.”

    It therefore, calls on citizens to support it and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country.

  • Alleged Terrorism: Court Stops DSS From Arresting Emefiele

    Alleged Terrorism: Court Stops DSS From Arresting Emefiele

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has declined an application by the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest and detain the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

    Justice Tsoho, while declining the motion ex-parte filed by an applicant in the absence of the respondent, said the secret police did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims that Emefiele was involved in terrorism financing and economic crimes.

    At the proceeding, the Judge noted that the name of the respondent was given simply as ‘Godwin Emefiele’ without a material disclosure that he is the same person as the CBN Governor.

    Justice Tsoho, therefore, refused to entertain the suit until credible evidence is brought before the court as to the reason why the court should grant the request.

    The move by the DSS comes after the recent controversial decisions of the CBN to redesign the 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes, as part of the measure to reduce the quantity of cash outside of its control, and discourage certain criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom.

    It also follows its announcement of a new policy limiting cash withdrawals for individuals and corporate bodies.

    Both decisions have been viewed by some segments of the society, especially politicians as detrimental to their activities in the run-up to the 2023 general elections.

  • Petrol Scarcity Persists as DSS Ultimatum Ends

    Petrol Scarcity Persists as DSS Ultimatum Ends

    Despite the Department of State Services (DSS) forty-eight hours ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other stakeholders in the oil sector to resolve and end the current fuel crisis, fuel queues have persisted in Plateau, Kaduna, Kogi, Kano states, and other parts of the country.

    Recall, the secret service police vowed to go after them if queues did not disappear after 48 hours.
    DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, had announced the ultimatum in Abuja while addressing reporters after the Director-General of DSS, Yusuf Bichi, met with the stakeholders in the industry.

    Reports gathered have indicated that long queues were yet to disappear in major cities, making black marketers have a field day, selling the commodity for as much as N350 per litre.

    In earlier report, Economic Confidential had revealed that in Kano State, most filling stations did not dispense petrol and the few stations selling sold it for N310 a litre. While other stations in the state sold a litre for N280 to N290.

    In Lokoja, Kogi State, motorists were seen on long queues at fuel stations; while in Kaduna and Jos, major fuel stations were not dispensing enabling black market to thrive.

    Although Abuja and Lagos queues are dispersing but persisted in suburbs with prices ranging from N180, N200 to N220 a litre.

    The chairman, Northern Independent Petroleum Marketers Forum, Musa Yahaya Maikifi, said the private depot price was above N200, prompting marketers to sell above the rate in Kano and other states.

    He said, “Provided we’re not refining the fuel in our country and the NNPC is using dollars to import the fuel, we cannot end the fuel crisis in Nigeria”.

    The chairman, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Olumide Adeosun, urged the federal government to dialogue and negotiate with citizens on the implementation of price deregulation.

    He said, “Having subsidized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol for so long, Nigerian institutions now have a diminished capacity to deal with the current local energy crisis. Disruption in any part of the supply chain causes ripple effects and results in queues at stations”.

    Meanwhile, The DSS in a secrete response assured that they have commenced intelligence gathering called “overt and covert operations” to address the situation and will ensure that person(s) caught in discrepancies will pay dearly.

  • DSS Gives NNPC, Oil Marketers 48 Hours To Fix Fuel Scarcity

    DSS Gives NNPC, Oil Marketers 48 Hours To Fix Fuel Scarcity

    The Department of State Services (DSS) Thursday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other stakeholders in the oil sector to resolve the ongoing fuel crisis within 48 hours.

    Hinting at economic sabotage, it threatened to go after those impeding the supply of the petroleum petroleum products if fuel queues persisted at the petrol stations across the country after the ultimatum. It said the decision followed assurances by NNPCL of sufficiency of the products.

    Spokesman of the agency, Dr Peter Afunanya, spoke at a briefing in Abuja after the Director-General of DSS, Yusuf Bichi, met with the stakeholders in the oil industry.

    The meeting was a attended by officials of NNPCL, IPMAN, NUPENG, NARTO MOMAN, DEPMAN among others.

    Details later…

  • CJN Not Under DSS Investigation – Supreme Court

    CJN Not Under DSS Investigation – Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed an insinuation that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola was subjected to interrogation by the Department of the State Service (DSS) over alleged pro-Wike political remarks.

    The apex court also debunked claims that five Justices of the Court have demanded resignation from office by the CJN over the same issue.

    In a statement by the Director of Information and Press of the Court, Dr Festus Akande, the apex Court warned those peddling the rumours to desist in their own interests.

    The reaction of the Supreme Court is in response to a publication by an online medium, which reported that Justice Ariwoola has been grilled by DSS over his alleged political remarks in Port Harcourt at a public function.

    The statement read in part, “We have read with dismay and shock a publication with the above caption by an online media outfit, “People’s Gazette,” alleging that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, was grilled by the DSS for the remarks he made in ‘Port Harcourt at a state banquet’ and that ‘five Justices of Supreme Court are calling for his resignation.’

    “Just like our earlier press statement debunking this barefaced falsehood and mischievous antics aimed at scoring very cheap and unpopular political gains in this era of aggressive and mudslinging politicking, we wish to state in very clear and unmistaken terms, that this is yet another round of the avalanche of lies that have been disingenuously packaged by individuals with an unenviable pedigree to malign the character and personality of not just the CJN but several other Judicial Officers that they considered to be too unpliable and principled to be approached for any form of underhand dealings, especially as election cases (petitions) will soon be streaming to the tribunals (courts) for adjudication.”

    According to the statement, it had become very obvious that those with sinister motives have perfected plans to unleash all manner of coordinated attacks on Judicial Officers, starting from the CJN with a view to arm-twisting and blackmailing and ridiculing them to silence, ultimately for their ulterior motives.

    The statement further added that the publication is laced with tissues of lies, non-existent sources of information and unsubstantiated claims and it clearly showed the unwholesome intentions of the authors.

    It also clarified that no single Justice of the Supreme has asked the CJN to resign, and no Justice of the Supreme Court has or is writing any letter of protest whatsoever.

    “Neither the CJN nor the Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court or other Courts for that matter, are politicians, so, none of them should be dragged into politics in any form whatsoever.

    “Our advice to this set of rabble-rousers whose stock in trade is character assassination via dissemination of false information to create tension and disaffection is to have a rethink and engage in meaningful productive activities that will move the nation forward. A word is enough for the wise,” the statement said.