Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: DSS

  • Controversy Erupts Over Attempted Airport Detention of Former Governor El-Rufai

    Controversy Erupts Over Attempted Airport Detention of Former Governor El-Rufai

    According to Premium Times, security agents attempted to intercept and arrest Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The incident occurred as the former governor was preparing to board a flight, leading to a tense standoff between his aides and the security personnel on site.

    In an update published by his media team, it was alleged that the agents attempted to seize El-Rufai’s passport without a valid warrant. The former governor has since spoken out, describing the incident as an example of “executive overreach” and a threat to the democratic rights of citizens who hold opposing views to the current administration.

    The situation has sparked widespread debate across the political spectrum, with allies of the former governor claiming the move was politically motivated. Conversely, security sources have remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons for the attempted detention, though rumors of investigations into past administrative actions continue to circulate.

    Vanguard and The Sun also covered the confrontation at the airport. Vanguard noted that “the heavy security presence caused a temporary stir at the terminal,” while The Sun featured a quote from an aide saying, “we will not allow the rule of law to be trampled upon by faceless agents.”

    Echotitbits take: This incident highlights the deepening friction between the federal government and influential political figures ahead of the 2027 election cycle. It raises concerns about the use of state apparatus for political intimidation. Keep an eye on the Department of State Services (DSS) for an official statement, as this could lead to a protracted legal battle.

    Source: BBC – https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cn87g9n875jo, February 13, 2026

    Photo credit: BBC

  • Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced trial proceedings for Omoyele Sowore over alleged criminal defamation and cyberstalking-related counts tied to social media posts about President Bola Tinubu.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: This case will serve as a litmus test for the 2024 Cybercrimes Amendment Act, clarifying where the line is drawn between political criticism and criminal defamation in Nigeria’s digital public sphere.

    Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/19/sowores-trial-for-alleged-cyberstalking-begins-january-22/ (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: ThisDay

    2026-01-22 11:00:00

     

  • NBA demands swift justice after DSS officer arrested in alleged abduction and rape case

    NBA demands swift justice after DSS officer arrested in alleged abduction and rape case

    According to The Guardian Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Dutse branch has called for a swift, transparent investigation after a DSS officer was arrested over allegations involving a minor.

    The report says the case has run for over two years and gained new momentum after a court order directed security agencies to arrest and investigate the suspect.

    The DSS is quoted as saying such acts violate its regulations and that it will make the outcome of the investigation public, as pressure mounts for accountability.

    Legal observers say the case highlights the need for stronger oversight, survivor protection and zero tolerance for abuses of power.

    Echotitbits take: This case will test institutional credibility. Watch for open prosecution, victim protection, and consequences beyond internal disciplinary processes.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nba-seeks-justice-in-alleged-forced-conversion-of-muslim-girl/11 January 2026

    The Punch 2026-01-11

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Kogi: Security Agencies Uncover Large Arms Cache as Governor Ododo Vows No Deals With Criminals

    Kogi: Security Agencies Uncover Large Arms Cache as Governor Ododo Vows No Deals With Criminals

    Photo Credit: Punch

    2025-12-17

    According to *The Punch*, Kogi State authorities announced the discovery of a large arms and ammunition cache after a coordinated, intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies.

    The reported haul—ranging from rifles and magazines to large volumes of ammunition—adds to rising concerns about weapons circulation and criminal hideouts across Nigeria’s middle belt corridor.

    Officials say the operation followed sustained surveillance, and the state is urging residents to share actionable intelligence as security forces widen the dragnet.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – Daily Trust: “Analysts warn that arms trafficking is deepening insecurity across key transit states.”
    – Channels TV: “Security officials say intelligence coordination is improving, but arrests and prosecutions must follow.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Recoveries matter, but arrests matter more. Watch for follow-up raids, named suspects, and whether recovered weapons are traced to supply networks—otherwise the cycle restarts with new stockpiles.

    Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/massive-arms-cache-uncovered-in-kogi/)

     

  • After Police Withdrawal, DSS Officers Jostle for VIP Escort Roles

    After Police Withdrawal, DSS Officers Jostle for VIP Escort Roles

    Following President Tinubu’s directive to drastically cut the number of police officers attached to VIPs, Department of State Services personnel are now reportedly lobbying to fill the lucrative escort slots. The shake-up has created a scramble among politicians and business elites seeking alternative state-backed or private protection.

    Security insiders say demand for bodyguards has surged, with some VIPs turning to licensed private outfits while others quietly court DSS teams. The development raises questions about whether security operatives are drifting towards a two-tier system where those who can pay enjoy premium protection.

    Analysts warn that unless surplus police personnel are redeployed into community safety, the original goal of boosting frontline policing may be lost. They also argue that any monetisation of official escorts risks deepening inequality in access to security in a country already battling rampant kidnapping and banditry.

    Source: Punch – “Police withdrawal, DSS officers lobby for VIP escort roles”.

  • DSS Summons ADC Presidential Candidate, Malaifa for the 3rd Time

    DSS Summons ADC Presidential Candidate, Malaifa for the 3rd Time

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has summoned for the third time, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Dr. Obadiah Mailafia.

    Malaifa, a banker turned politician and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2019 election, has been in and out of interrogation rooms since he granted an interview where he stated that an unidentified northern governor was the leader of the terrorist group known as Boko Haram.

    READ ALSO:

    Mali: Military-Appointed Experts Propose 2-Year Transition With President Chosen By Junta

    On August 12 Mailaifa was guest of the DSS at the agency’s office in Jos. He was invited again on the 17th of August 2020 after he refused to back down on his claims.

    Malaifa had claimed that weapons were distributed to several parts of the country during the lockdown, adding that terrorists had infiltrated Lagos, comments he later withdrew, stating that he got the information from a third party.

    According to the latest invitation letter addressed to Mailafia, which was made available to journalists, the DSS did not reveal the reason for the invitation.

    “It is true. I have been invited to their office in Jos. I was asked to appear at 11 am on Monday,” he told Punch.

    Last month, Mailafia had approached a High Court in Plateau State for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to personal liberty and fair hearing in a bid to prevent the police from arresting him.

    However, it was learnt that the security agents were being prodded by the Federal Government to ensure that the economist is arraigned in court.

    The Nation had reported that in a telephone conversation, Mailafia lamented as unfortunate how two security agencies were investigating him at the same time.

    READ ALSO:

    Lagos Police Commissioner Appoints Judicial Liaison Officer for Smooth Administration of Justice

    “This is one of the reasons why I am in court. I am being invited by the DSS and the police at the same time. It is an abuse of my rights,” he said.

    “Please, pray for me. I have reasons to believe that my life is in danger and that some powerful political forces want to silence me forever for speaking the truth.

    “For speaking on behalf of the Holy Martyrs — of thousands of innocent children, women, elderly and youths that have been killed in our beloved country,” Mailafia added.

  • DSS: We’re Not Involved in Na’abba’s Invitation, Presidency Clarifies

    DSS: We’re Not Involved in Na’abba’s Invitation, Presidency Clarifies

    The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Monday distanced itself from the allegations that it’s the brain behind the invitation extended to the former Speaker of House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, by the Department of State Service on account of his alleged comments at the President.

    Na’bba was invited by DSS for questioning, four days after he made critical comments about the Buhari administration.

    The former speaker, who is also a co-chairman of the newly formed National Consultative Front (NCFront), had, in a television broadcast, described Nigeria as a failed state, listing unemployment, insecurity, economic hardship as some of the factors which indicated that the present government “is incompetent.”

    READ ALSO:

    UNILAG VC spent unapproved N120m, his sack legal –  says Babalakin

    But, Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said preliminary feedback indicated that Na’bba’s invitation was in no way connected to his utterances regarding the state of affairs of the country.

    The statement reads in part: “The Presidency distances itself from the allegations that it has anything to do with the invitation extended to Ghali Na’Abba by the Department of State Service on account of his alleged comments at President Buhari.

    “Preliminary feedback received by the Presidency seem to indicate that the invitation of Umar Ghali Na’Abba, was in no way connected to his utterances regarding the state of affairs of the country. Mr. President realises the value of having an active opposition party having emerged through that process as well.

    “Mr. President has consistently made it his wish to deliver an electoral process that is free and fair that ensures that the electorate are given a free hand for their votes to count. Anything short of such a process would be counter-productive.

    READ ALSO: Lagos to Residents: You’ll Experience More Heavy Rainfalls from End of August

    “As the nation continues to pull together to confront this common enemy that has no regard for race, religion, language or ethnic grouping, we once again encourage citizens to engage in discourses that can help support our vision of a United Nigeria, that maintains food security. secures it citizens and provides a pipeline of opportunities to our teeming youthful population.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • SERAP condemns Buhari, demands end to criminalising peaceful protesters in Nigeria

    SERAP condemns Buhari, demands end to criminalising peaceful protesters in Nigeria

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) Wednesday strongly condemned reported violent attacks on #RevolutionNow protesters in Abuja, Osogbo and other parts of the country.

    SERAP tasked the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to put an end to the “use of excessive force against protesters, and allow people to peacefully exercise their human rights.”

    Department of State Services (DSS) had Wednesday reportedly arrested Olawale Bakare and six other #RevolutionNow protesters wearing orange-coloured caps around Olaiya area of Osogbo, Osun State capital.

     

    Several protesters were also allegedly arrested by the police and the Nigerian Army in Abuja.

    Reacting to this development, SERAP, in a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said: “By failing to adequately protect protesters from violent attacks, Nigerian authorities have blatantly violated their obligations under the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

    The statement added: “Nobody should be arrested or subjected to torture and ill-treatment simply for taking part in peaceful protests. The authorities should stop criminalising peaceful protesters.

    “Rather than suppressing peaceful protests, the authorities ought to protect peaceful protesters and ensure a safe and enabling environment for people to exercise their constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

    “SERAP urges the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested, promptly investigate attacks on protesters, and identify security agents suspected to be responsible and bring them to justice.

    “Nigerian authorities need to take seriously the protesters’ socio-economic grievances, including by immediately taking measures to genuinely fight grand corruption, and improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services.

    “SERAP urges the international community including the UN Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the African Union and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to publicly condemn attacks on peaceful protests and to put pressure on the Nigerian authorities to effectively investigate attacks on protesters, prosecute perpetrators and to respect and protect the human rights of everyone.

    “Nigerian constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party guarantee the rights to liberty and security of person, freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom of expression, and the right of peaceful assembly.

    “The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials prohibit the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Magu Not Arrested, Only Honours Invitation By Presidential Panel, Says EFCC

    Magu Not Arrested, Only Honours Invitation By Presidential Panel, Says EFCC

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked media reports that its Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    EFCC, in a statement on Monday afternoon by its Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, explained that Magu only honoured an invitation extended to him by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the commission.

    “Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, on Monday, July 6, 2020, honoured an invitation by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “He was served the invitation to the Panel, while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting.

    “The EFCC’s boss was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation. A member of a legal team from the EFCC is also with him on the Panel,” the statement said.

  • Just in: We Did Not Arrest Magu, Says DSS

    Just in: We Did Not Arrest Magu, Says DSS

    Department of State Services (DSS). Monday denied news report that it has arrested the Acting Chairman, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    DSS said the story was not correct.

    It was widely reported on Monday that Magu was arrested by DSS over allegations that he has four properties and that he was allegedly transferring funds abroad through a third party.

    The report said EFCC Acting Chairman was arrested at commission’s Wuse II office, adding that he’s now undergoing interrogation at the DSS Headquarters in Aso Drive.

    But, DSS, in a short statement by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, said: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim MAGU, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as has been reported by sections of the media.

    “The Service, has since, today, 6th July, 2020, been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest.”

    Another report also explained that Magu was not arrested but invited for an interrogation by a Presidential Panel at Aso Rock Villa.

    DSS had, in a 2016 report, accused Magu of living in a N40 million mansion paid for by one Umar Mohammed, a retired air commodore who is allegedly involved in shady deals.

    “In December 2010, the Police Service Commission (PSC) found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security – withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a police officer, and awarded him severe reprimand as punishment.

    “Magu is currently occupying a residence rented for N40 million at N20 million per annum. This accommodation was not paid [for] from the commission’s finances, but by one Umar Mohammed, air commodore retired, a questionable businessman who has subsequently been arrested by the secret service.

    “For the furnishing of the residence, Magu enlisted the Federal Capital Development Authority to award a contract to Africa Energy, a company owned by the same Mohammed, to furnish the residence at the cost of N43 milliom.

    “Investigations show that the acting EFCC chairman regularly embarked on official and private trips through a private jet owned by Mohammed.

    “In one of such trips, Magu flew to Maiduguri alongside Mohammed with a bank MD who was being investigated by the EFCC over complicity in funds allegedly stolen by the immediate past petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    “Furthermore, the EFCC boss has so far maintained a high-profile lifestyle. This is exemplified by his preference for first-class air travels. On 24 June, 2016, he flew Emirate airlines first-class to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj at the cost of N2.9 million. This is in spite of Mr President’s directive to all public servants to fly economy class.

    “Magu has fostered a beneficial relationship with Mohammed who by his confession approaches clients for possible exploitation, favours and associated returns,” DSS report said.

    Idowu Sowunmi