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Tag: Department of State Services

  • Illegal ammunition: Three NSCDC personnel, others arraigned

    Illegal ammunition: Three NSCDC personnel, others arraigned

    Three operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and three others have been arraigned by the Department of State Security Service before the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state.

    WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the NSCDC personnels have been dismissed from the corps following an administrative order.

    The personnels include Ojonimi Samuel (40), James Ikagu and Abdulraman Omuya.

    Others arraigned alongside the dismissed officers, are: Abass Jimoh aka Big Man (43), Jamah Suleiman and Shaibu Abdulsalam aka Nice (43).

    Counsel to the DSS, Yahaya Olanrewaju, told Justice D.U. Okorowo of the Federal High Court, sitting at the Hassan Katsina Road, Crusher in Lokoja that the “1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants were earlier remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) Kabba centre while the 4th, 5th and sixth defendants who were officers of the NSCDC were released on administrative bail, and later returned to the DSS custody.

    We were informed that the 4th, 5th and 6th defendants have been dismissed by the corps,” he added.

    The seven count charges filed against the suspects included unlawful dealing in weapons and conspiracy to commit an illegal act to wit dealing in 80 rounds of G3mm ammunition, all of which are punishable under section 27(1)(III) and such other subsections of the Firearms Act (2004).

    All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Okorowo thereafter adjourned till March 10 for their bail applications and April 29 for hearing while all the accused were ordered to be remanded at the Kabba centre of the Nigeria Correctional Service, in Kogi State.

  • Corps member arrested by DSS for impersonation in Osun

    Corps member arrested by DSS for impersonation in Osun

    A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo, the capital of Osun state docked a 26-year-old corps member identified as Oluwatosin Medaiyese over alleged impersonation in Osun state.

    WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that Medaiyese was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) after he reportedly presented himself as Hon. Justice Jimoh Aliyu to the Zonal Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Emmanuel Attah.

    It was also learnt that Mediayese allegedly impersonated Hon. Justice Jimoh Aliyu with an intent of fraudulently securing the posting of Corps members to their desired places of primary assignment.

    The charge against him read;

    “That you Oluwatosin Medaiyese “M” on or before 30th January 2020 at Osogbo did falsely represent yourself as Hon. Justice Aliyu Jimoh to Emmanuel Attah Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the intent of fraudulently securing the posting of Corps members to their desired places of primary assignment and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 108 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State 2002.

    The counsel of 26-year-old corps member, Mr. Omaniyi Abifarin applied for bail on his behalf after the corps member pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    He was granted bail of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

    The case was subsequently adjourned to 25th March, 2020 by Magistrate Adebola Ajanaku.

  • DSS to probe Bayelsa Deputy Governor for certificate forgery

    DSS to probe Bayelsa Deputy Governor for certificate forgery

    Following the allegation of forgery of a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) certificate levelled against the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, an Abuja Area Court has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the allegation.

    Recall that the election of David Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Bayelsa State was nullified following the disqualification of his running mate Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo for presenting forged documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Benjamin Youdiowei approached the court alleging Ewhrudjakpo presented forged NYSC certificate to INEC which prompted the investigation order issued by the court.

    The NYSC Exemption Certificate Youdiowei claimed is forged, is dated February 2, 1998, with number 139708.

    Justice Abubakar Sadiq who directed the DSS to investigate Ewhrudjakpo, had issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the new deputy governor on November 27, 2019 for being absent during a court proceeding. He had also ordered the police to investigate the Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

  • ‘On the run’ female kidnapper rearrested in Kano after escaping from hospital she was taken for treatment

    ‘On the run’ female kidnapper rearrested in Kano after escaping from hospital she was taken for treatment

    Operatives of Department of State Services have rearrested a female kidnapper linked to the abduction of several kids in Kano who she reportedly trafficked to Anambra state after she escaped from custody.

    The female kidnapper identified as Mercy Paul was rearrested by operatives of the DSS after she escaped from a hospital she was taken to for treatment.

    Recall that Mercy Paul fell sick at Kano Kurmawa Correctional Centre where she was remanded as she awaits trial.

    Reacting to the development, the Comptroller of the Kano Correctional Centre, Ahmad Abdullahi Magaji confirmed the incident.

    Magaji disclosed that the incident occurred at about 12:05pm on January 31, 2020.

    Magaji said he was told that the suspect was bleeding and asked to use the toilet before escaping from the custody of the officers who took her to Murtala Muhammad hospital for treatment. He further disclosed that Mercy was rearrested at her hideout in the state on February 17.

    The comptroller said;

    “Immediately after realising such unfortunate incident, we organised a stop and search by condoning all the entrances of Kano in collaboration with the DSS. 

    ”If somebody escaped from our custody, they would be investigated and if it is negligence on the part of our officers, it is outright dismissal. If it is negligence, gross misconduct, aiding and abetting, conspiracy, they will not only be dismissed but also face the wrath of the law”.

  • There’s a plot to attack National Assembly, Senate President discloses

    There’s a plot to attack National Assembly, Senate President discloses

    Ahmad Lawan, the President of Nigeria senate has urged security agencies to brace up security at the National Assembly.

    According to the senate president, Lawan disclosed that he had received reports of security threat to the assembly complex.

    In a statement released his spokesman, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan made this disclosure at an emergency closed-door meeting the Senate leadership had with top security officials.

    Lawan noted that unknown and uninvited people “came or are coming into the National Assembly complex and we felt we shouldn’t take this lightly.

    “From today, we have to find temporary solution to support the security arrangement here.

    ”We will find a more permanent solution by the time the entire environment is remodeled,” Lawan said.

    Director General of the Department of Security Service (DSS) and representatives of the Defence, Police, Civil Defence, Fire Service and other security agencies attended the parley.

    Lawan added that ensuring security for all Nigerians was a responsibility for both the legislative and executive arms of government.

  • Kano Hisbah invites American lady, Hausa lover who met on Instagram over marriage plans

    Kano Hisbah invites American lady, Hausa lover who met on Instagram over marriage plans

    American woman identified as Janine Sanchez and her Kano-based lover, Isah Sulaiman were invited by Kano State Sharia Police known as Hisbah for a meeting at their Panshekara Office.

    WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the American woman identified as Janine met her lover on Instagram and decided to trace him to Nigeria all the way from America to marry him.

    It was further learnt that the meeting which had in attendance of Isah’s father, Suleiman and his brother was held in a close door.

    As at the time of reportage, the outcome of the meeting is unknown but the intending couple were reportedly sitting comfortably while the Hisbah officers introduce themselves.

    The State Headquarters of the Hisbah Board along Sharada road was also visited by the social media lovers.

    Reacting to the development while answering questions from journalists at his residence in Panshekara, Alhaji Suleiman disclosed that he would accord his son all the necessary support he desires to ensure his smooth take off to the United States and successful wedding with the fourty-six year old American.

    Isah’s father further revealed that security agents such as Department of State Security (DSS) amongst others will be involved in the matter.

    Isah and Janine are planning on getting married in March after months of courtship on social media.

  • Twenty four days after abduction, Boko Haram insurgents release five aid workers

    Twenty four days after abduction, Boko Haram insurgents release five aid workers

    Twenty four days after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents kidnapped five aid workers along Monguno and Damaturu, the abducted aid workers have been released.

    Recall that no fewer than five aid workers were abducted on December 22 after their vehicle was ambushed.

    According to reports, the Department of State Services facilitated the release of the aid workers and two females and three males have been reportedly released.

    As at the time of reportage, we have not been able to ascertain if any ransom was paid to secure the release of the five abductees.

    It was further learnt that the abducted aid workers arrived at the DSS office in Maiduguri at about 4pm today, January 15.

    The source said;

    “It is a big day for us here in Borno with the release of the five abductees. 

    “Two of the abductees were staff of ALIMA, an international NGO; one from Solidarity International, one from International Organization on Migration and one from Red Cross.”

  • Dadiyata is not in our custody – DSS

    Dadiyata is not in our custody – DSS

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has debunked reports that social media influencer and popular government critic identified as Abubakar Idris Dadiyata is in the custody of the secret police.

    This denial was contained in a statement released by DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya on Tuesday December 31.

    The Department of State Services said it has no reason to deny the arrest and detention of suspects if it carried out operations during which such persons were arrested.

    While reacting to the controversy that trailed Dadiyata’s abduction from his home in Barnawa area in Kaduna State on August 1, 2019, the DSS said;

    “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to serial allegations by sections of the media particularly the Punch and Daily Trust Newspapers that the Service is illegally detaining some Nigerians.

    “Of specific mention were Abubakar IDRIS (aka Dadiyata) and Agba JALINGO said to have been arrested in Kaduna and Cross River States respectively by the Service. Another was Punch Newspaper’s wild allegation in its publications of 6th and 29th December, 2019 that over 50 suspects are being held by the Service under excruciating conditions and “routinely tortured”.

    “These allegations, to say the least, are spurious and can only be taken for what they are – deliberate and subversive campaigns of calumny to undermine the Service and cast it in bad light before the public.

    “That IDRIS was taken away from his house by some armed men does not suggest that those men were DSS staff.

    “It was expected that Daily Trust and Punch should have properly conducted their investigations before holding the Service responsible for the acts it did not commit.

    “For the sake of emphasis, the Service has no reasons to deny its arrest and detention of suspects if actually it carried out operations during which such persons were arrested.”

    The Service went on: “It is not out of place for security and law enforcement agencies to arrest and detain law breakers or those suspected to be.

    “The arrest and detention of suspects are procedural and undergo continuous review. In certain conditions, some are routinely questioned and released while others are granted administrative bail.

    “Some who are still under investigation or already undergoing prosecution are held on the basis of Court orders.

    “Suspect handling is a critical aspect of the Service’s responsibility and this is taken seriously without any form of compromise.

    “It diligently carries out this function in strict compliance with the criminal justice administration system and intelligence governance procedures absolutely necessary for consolidating democratic ideals in Nigeria.

    “It is, however, important to state that suspects in the Service’s detention are not “routinely tortured”. Such accusation by the Punch or any other media outfit for that matter is only imaginary and a creation of the concerned newspapers.”

  • Dasuki reveals why he stopped going to court after being released by DSS

    Dasuki reveals why he stopped going to court after being released by DSS

    Four years after former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki was detained and prosecuted over alleged corruption in December 2015 while in office, the former NSA has opened up on his ordeal.

    Sambo Dasuki who spent four years in the Department of State Services (DSS) custody revealed in a radio interview with Voice of America (Hausa Service) that he has no feud with President Buhari.

    Sambo Dasuki also revealed that he stopped going to court because the federal government refused to release him despite meeting his bail conditions.

    Here are excerpts from the interview below;

    VoA: How can you thank Nigerians who have been praying for your release which eventually happened today, you have your freedom?

    Dasuki: There are no words enough to show appreciation for all the prayers offered. All we can do is to thank them and pray to God to reward them abundantly. We have seen the results of their prayers.

    VoA: Seeing that you have spent four years in detention; do you feel healthy or you have certain health challenges?

    Dasuki: Thank God I am in full health. I have no ailment at all.

    VoA: How did you meet your family?

    Dasuki: Glory to God, everyone is ok.

    Voa: So what will you say to the federal government?

    Dasuki: There is nothing really to say to the government. Everything that happens to an individual is from God. It is only God’s will that will prevail. It is ignorance or lack of faith that pushes some to think that certain individuals are behind their predicaments. Everything is ordained by God. Like you said, I was detained for four year and I am out today. Only God knows tomorrow. The only thing is that there must be fairness. Whoever goes to the Mosque on Friday must surely have heard the Imam always preach for fairness and honesty. There is a reason for that. Everyone should listen to it.

    VoA: Are you now returning to court to prove that the allegations against you are not correct?

    Dasuki: Of course, I stopped going to the court because I was granted bail but the government refused to release me and I said whenever the bail order is complied with I will appear before the court and defend myself. I am ready.

    VoA: There are rumours that your predicament is traced to the fact that you were the one who arrested President Buhari during a military coup and you are now paying for it?

    Dasuki: I am not aware of that. All I know is that everything is from God.

    VoA: So there is no sort of feud between you and the President?

    Dasuki: I have no feud with anybody. I am more than that. I can’t engage in a feud with anyone.

  • PHOTO: After four years in DSS custody, Dasuki reunites with his family

    PHOTO: After four years in DSS custody, Dasuki reunites with his family

    After four years in the custody of the Department of State Services, the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki who was arrested by DSS operatives and arraigned by EFCC over money laundering has finally reunited with his family.

    WITHIN NIGERIA had earlier reported that former Nigeria National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) after over four years in detention.

    Recall that the Colonel Sambo Dasuki was first arrested on December 1, 2015, by DSS and arraigned in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over his involvement in a $2.1bn arms procurement fraud under the administration of ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan.

    Dasuki was released on December 29, 2015 after perfecting his bail granted by the court but was immediately re-arrested by Operatives of the DSS.

    He had remained in DSS custody until Tuesday night, December 24th when he was freed under the directive of the Attorney General of Nigeria.

    Dasuki was received by family members and well-wishers at his Asokoro, Abuja, residence last night.

    See Photos: