World News

SSS agents on illegal duty open fire in Abuja market, hit fashion designer, salesgirl

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Trigger-happy State Security Service (SSS) agents have shot a fashion designer at Garki International Market, Abuja, while having an altercation with a tailor, Muhammad Habibu, along with some traders and other individuals.

The victim was identified as Mubarak Mubarak.A viral video of the incident seen by Peoples Gazette showed an individual shot in the leg, lying on the floor before a police officer trying to quell the situation.

While those at the scene confronted the secret police for their action, one of the SSS operatives joined his already seated colleagues in their vehicle and zoomed off. Seeing the operatives fleeing, the people pelted their vehicle with objects.

Police officers eventually saved the SSS agents from being lynched by the mob, leading the angry crowd to storm a police post.

An X user, one of many who posted a video of the incident, said, “On the evening of Sept. 7, 2023, A lady called some @OfficialDSSNG personnel to arrest her tailor who didn’t deliver her clothes. They came and not only shot him (tailor) but a stray bullet hit an innocent sales girl sitting at her shop. The action of the personnel angered marketers who attempted to block them from leaving the market. The personnel quickly took to their heels while the marketers pelted their vehicle with stones.”

The salesgirl and the tailor were said to have been taken to a hospital.The FCT police command confirmed the violent incident in a statement on Thursday.

Its spokeswoman, Josephine Adeh, said the cause of the violence was “an altercation” between market occupants and certain individuals, including an SSS agent and Mr Habibu.

“The Garki Divisional Police station mobilised officers in response to a distress call, reporting the invasion of the market by these individuals, who fired shots at a tailor known as Mubarak Mubarak. This incident led to some of the local youths reacting angrily and attempting to confront the DSS personnel involved,” the police statement explained.

“In response, the police intervened to rescue the individuals and protect public safety.”

The SSS said it had launched an investigation into the market shooting and ensuing violence involving its operatives.

“Information at the disposal of the Service was that its FCT command responded to an SOS from their field operatives who allegedly came under a mob attack in the said market,” the SSS said in a statement by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya.

It added, “The Service assures that it will not hesitate to mete out proper disciplinary measure(s) to its staff if found culpable or running foul of standard operating procedures on dealing with a member of the public.”

Lifestyle

Court stops EFCC, ICPC and DSS from detaining former Governor Yari

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, the Department of State Services and other security agencies have been restrained by a federal high court sitting in Abuja from detaining a former governor of Zamfara State and Senator-elect, Abdul’aziz Yari, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Justice Donatus Okorowo gave the order in a ruling he delivered on an ex-parte motion on Monday, June 5.

The respondents (EFCC, ICPC and DSS) were directed by the Judge to show cause in the next adjourned date on why the prayers sought on the motion ex-parte should not be granted.

Okorowo said;

“The respondents were, however, restrained from detaining the applicant until the return date for the order to show cause.”

The judge adjourned the matter to June 8 for the respondents to show cause.

Politics

DSS warns against unruly behaviours and non-adherence to protocols during inauguration activities

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The Department of State Services, DSS, has warned against any attempt to disrupt the May 29 inauguration of the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Thursday, May 25, 2023, said any attempt to disrupt the swearing-in will be akin to undermining Nigeria’s security agencies.

“It would be recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) on 18th May, 2023 held a World Press Conference during which he announced activities for the Presidential inauguration,” the statement read.

“The major highlight of the activities is the swearing-in of the President on 29th May, 2023 in Abuja. On the same date, new Governors will also be inaugurated in most of the States.

“The Service is, however, aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country. The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.

“Based on these, citizens, the media and Civil Society Organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events. They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises.

This is more so that such undesirable acts will serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion.

Additionally, all unauthorised (and unaccredited) persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the event venues.

“The Service reiterates its earlier call for the populace to remain calm and law abiding. Meanwhile, it will continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inaugurations.”

Politics

Name and arrest those plotting an interim govt – IPAC chairman tells DSS

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The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yabagi Sani, has asked the Department of State Service (DSS) to name and apprehend those it said are behind plans to install an interim government in the country.

On Wednesday, March 29, the DSS issued a statement saying it had discovered a plot by “misguided” political actors to set aside the constitution and install an interim government in the country as the May 29 date for the takeover of the new government approaches.

However, speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Sani who is also the chairman of the African Development Party (ADP) said it is not enough for the DSS to announce a plot for the interim government but that the security agency should go further to name the plotters as well as take action against them.

“To say the least, it is an embarrassment because I believe that the DSS, the agency that is in charge of gathering intelligence and then passing intelligence to other agencies, are supposed to take action.

And I don’t think it serves the purpose of this country for the DSS to come and make this pronouncement in the manner they are making it. What would have made sense to us is that so person is involved, so person has been arrested or is under interrogation or whatever action has been taken. Okay, what do we do as politicians or citizens of this country? We can’t do nothing” Sani said

He said that law enforcement agencies should not fail to demonstrate that nobody is above the law as this will serve as a deterrent to others who might have other plans to scuttle democracy in the country.

“Look at what happened in the United States when (Donald) Trump wanted to interrupt the inauguration of (Joe) Biden, something happened, they took action. So, I believe as much as we commend the effort of the DSS, I think they should go beyond that because as citizens what can we do?” he queried

Lifestyle

DSS arrests two suspects over alleged plan to incite violence in Kano

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested two suspects for allegedly inciting violence in parts of Kano State.

The public Relations Officer of DSS, Peter Afunanya, announced their arrest in a statement issued on Thursday, March 16, in Abuja.

He said the suspects had separately recorded messages and shared them through various social media channels.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has arrested the duo of Sharu Abubakar Tabula and Isma’il Iliyasu Mangu for deliberately inciting violence in parts of Kano State,” the statement read.

“In those potentially harmful messages, they specifically championed certain political interests and directly called on their supporters to violently attack those opposed to them, including security personnel during the 18th March, 2023 Governorship and House of Assembly election in the State.”

“As a result of this development, a particular political party in Kano has threatened to organise protest march in the metropolis as well as storm offices of some of the security agencies on 16th March, 2023 in solidarity for the suspects.

“While the Service alerts the public of this planned illegal action, it calls on the concerned party to shelve it forthwith or be ready to face the consequences.

“The DSS assures that it will not idly watch misguided persons or groups undermine the peace and security of the state. The leadership of the said party should rein in its members and urge them to desist from conducts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in Kano and its environs before, during and after the scheduled election.

“Meanwhile, the Service is collaborating with sister security agencies to ensure that adequate security is provided for a successful electoral exercise.

“Aside Kano, the Service recently arrested similar subversive elements that threatened violence in other States of the Federation. It would be recalled that it had on 8th March, 2023, enjoined politicians to engage constructively and shun violence, fake news and hate speech.

“It reiterates the call for political players to abide by the letters of the electoral act and guidelines. All and sundry are advised to positively contribute to the sustenance of peace and democracy in Nigeria.”

Politics

We have no case against INEC chairman – DSS

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has reacted to report of Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) obtaining a court judgement stopping his arrest by the security agency.

It was reported earlier that a federal high court sitting in Abuja had dismissed allegations of false asset declaration against Yakubu and also barred the DSS, the police, and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from investigating him over his asset declaration.

Reacting to the report on Friday, January 6, DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya said the service never went to court against the INEC chairman and has no case against him.

He said;

“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 Mr President and commander-in-chief, the service urges all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity.”

Lifestyle

DSS warns against flaunting of wealth on social media

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The Directorate of State Services, DSS, has warned upwardly mobile individuals, especially the youth, to desist from the growing fad of reckless display of material wealth so as not to attract the attention of violent criminals, especially kidnappers and armed robbers.

In a statement released, the security agency says it is common to see young people displaying their fleet of flashy cars, newly completed and luxuriously furnished mansions, and raw cash to show they have “blown” (made it).

The agency says some get themselves conspicuously videoed spraying bundles of cash at ceremonies and post it to social media for maximum publicity. Others ask members of the public to drop their account numbers to receive financial windfalls.

The agency opined that coming at a time that criminality is getting more sophisticated and violent, this fad simply ”makes no sense.”

According to the security agency, these criminals are always on the watch out for an opportunity to strike.

”Even if the wealth flaunter adequately secures himself or herself, what about their loved ones who are put at risk?

The unfortunate thing is that what these individuals see as “wealth” is not much in real terms, particularly if they have no sure means of sustaining the income.

Many celebrities have flaunted wealth only to turn beggars a few years down the road.

We advise anyone who feels he or she has arrived materially to apply common sense. They should save for the rainy day which is sure to come. They should acquire financial education and invest wisely to secure their future.

They should borrow a leaf from accomplished, genuinely wealthy industrialists like Aliko Dangote, Cosmas Maduka, Folorunsho Alakija and others who live humble lifestyles despite their enormous wealth.

It is unfortunate that our law enforcement agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC; the federal and state tax agencies and others, are not doing enough to clamp down on people who display wealth, verify their sources and tax them appropriately.

These agencies must wake up and act. Adequate taxation and moderation of the excesses of citizens are parts of the functions of governance.

These wealth advertisers portray the moral rot in society. They unwittingly send the wrong signals, especially to fellow youth to pursue material wealth by all means, thus worsening the crime rates in society.

Those who have actually made it and want to benefit the less privileged ones should emulate singer, David Adeleke (Davido), who once raised N200 million and added N50 million from his pocket which he donated to orphanages around the country.Let there be sanity. ” the statement in part read

Politics

Politicians are likely to use thugs for campaign –DSS

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The Department of State Services ( DSS) has alerted Nigerians that politicians are likely going to use thugs during the campaign for the 2023 elections.

This was disclosed by DSS Director in Kaduna, Mr Abdul Enachie, during a presentation of a report of security situation for 2nd and 3rd Quarter in the state.

Daily Trust reported that Enachie said there is need for government to take the situation seriously by taking steps to sensitize the youths against allowing themselves to be used as thugs in the state and other part of the country.

Also outlining the need for residents to pass information to security agencies, the DSS Director also urged the military to sustains their operations against the terrorists in areas like Birnin Gwari and other flashpoints.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to complete the Kaduna-Abuja highway and Birnin Gwari highway as this would help improve the security situation on the roads.

Lifestyle

DSS confirms operation in Abuja estate but denies working with American forces

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The Department of State Services has confirmed carrying out an operation in an estate in Abuja.

The secret police however denied carrying out the operation in partnership with American soldiers.

Peter Afunanya, the SSS spokesperson, told PRNigeria;

“I can categorically tell you that we did not carry out any joint operation with American Soldiers as being widely reported in the media.

“Though we carried out an operation in an Abuja Estate with sister agencies, no foreign troops were involved.”

Mr Afunanya did not speak on the exact number of suspects arrested as well as their identity.

Lifestyle

DSS calls for calm, says nothing new in US warning

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has reacted to the security alert issued by the US Embassy in Nigeria to Americans alerting them of possible attacks in Abuja.

The United States embassy in Nigeria had on Sunday October 23, warned Americans in the country to be cautious of their movement in response to “elevated risk of terror attacks,” specifically in Abuja.

“There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja. Targets may include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.”

“The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice. Actions to Take: Avoid all non-essential travel or movement. Stay alert. Avoid crowds.

In a security alert issued on Sunday, the US advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel or movement, stay alert and avoid crowds,” the embassy said in a statement posted on its website.

Reacting to the security alert, the DSS in a statement released by its spokesperosn Peter Afunanya, said it has repeatedly issued similar warnings in the past, while advising Nigerians to be cautious and work with other security agencies to maintain the peace.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) has received several enquiries relating to the security advisory issued by the US Embassy in Abuja, 23/10/22. The public may recall that the Service had variously issued similar warnings in the past.

While advising that necessary precautions are taken by all and sundry, the populace is enjoined to remain alert and assist security agencies with useful information regarding threats and suspicious criminal acts around them.

Meanwhile, the Service calls for calm as it works with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace and order in and beyond Abuja,” the statement read

Lifestyle

Jungle justice: FCT Police, DSS meet Okada riders in Abuja

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The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Babaji Sunday, alongside a representative of the State Security Service, addressed over 150 chairmen of commercial motorcyclists’ units and associations across Abuja during a meeting held at the Command’s Headquarters, on Tuesday.

In a press statement by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Omotayo Oduniyi, said the CP charged the commercial motorcyclists to turn a new leaf, work in synergy with the police to fish out the bad eggs among them, obey traffic rules and eschew the habit of resorting to violence at the slightest provocation.

The statement read, “The recent spate of the outbreak of violence largely traceable to commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, has become a menace occasionally playing out as self-help in obtaining justice known as jungle justice, vandalization of government and private properties, and sundry antisocial behaviours demanding an immediate redress.

“CP Babaji warned that, forthwith, sanctions according to the rule of law will be meted on erring persons.

“During the meeting, some of the chairmen in attendance, who spoke on behalf of the commercial motorcyclists, promised to play by laid down rules.

“The CP, however, reassures the good people of the Territory of the Command’s unflinching commitment to rid the Territory of criminal elements and bring crime and criminality to the barest minimum.

“Members of the public are, therefore, urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or abnormal occurrence to the Police.”

Politics

Judge warns DSS as IPOB leader, Kanu, makes court appearance

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There are indications that a sit-at-home may be observed in some parts of the south-east region as Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is set to appear in court today (Wednesday).

The group had previously cancelled its directive for a sit-at-home protest over the trial of Kanu, and directed that the exercise should be observed on days the secessionist leader was to appear in court, despite protests from some quarters that the exercise was detrimental to the economy of the region and its people.

This is even as Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, warned the Department of the State Services (DSS) against taking over the security arrangements of the court before Kanu is due in court.

The judge stated that the DSS was not permitted to block the entrance of the court, or undertake any security arrangement within the court premises before 12 noon, as Kanu’s case is scheduled for 1pm.

He lamented that the other cases in the court had been impeded due to the activities of the DSS whenever Kanu appears in court.

Kanu is being prosecuted by the Nigerian govt for alleged treason. Earlier, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome has joined the legal team defending Kanu over the charges.

Politics

We provided Kanu with new mattress and pillow, but he refused new clothes —DSS lawyer

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Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, the prosecution counsel in the ongoing case between the federal government and the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, has explained that the Department of State Service (DSS) provided Kanu with new mattress, pillow and clothes as directed by the Judge, but he (Kanu) refused the clothes.

Contrary to the order of Justice Binta Nyako, Kanu appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday for his trial, putting on the same Fendi designer clothes he has been wearing since June last year when he was arrested.

Justice Nyako had on Tuesday, ordered the DSS to allow Kanu to have a change of cloth, as well as a good mattress.

Meanwhile, when the matter was called up today, Mr. Labaran, told the court that Kanu was the one that chose to wear his designers Fendi clothes.

He said: “My lord, based on your order yesterday, we provided the Defendant with a new Orthopedic mattress, pillows and blankets.

“As for his appearance, he chose to wear this particular one because he said that it is designers”.

However, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, told the court that Mr. Labaran’s claim was not entirely true, noting that his client had not insisted on wearing the same clothes.

He confirmed that the DSS provided Kanu with new mattress and pillows.

“I want to commend the DSS and the court for ensuring that it was done”.

Kanu is being arraigned on 15 count charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism.

Lifestyle

DSS invites Bishop Kukah for saying Buhari is soft on terrorism, banditry

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah for questioning, days after the vocal priest criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to curb nationwide insecurity, Peoples Gazette reports.

Kukah had slammed Buhari in his Christmas sermon, saying the president has failed to show competence as terrorists, bandits and other criminals embark on a coordinated and relentless rampage across the country.

“We also have lost count of hundreds of individuals and families who have been kidnapped and live below the radar of publicity. Does the President of Nigeria not owe us an explanation and answers as to when the abductions, kidnappings, brutality, senseless, and endless massacres of our citizens will end? We need urgent answers to these questions,” he had said.

The priest’s comment, which was only the latest amongst several scathing criticisms he had directed at the president in recent years, drew criticism from President Buhari’s supporters.

According to Peoples Gazette, a top source revealed that the secret police ordered Kukah to appear at its headquarters for questioning. Kukah had, however yet to honour the invitation as of Saturday afternoon.

A spokesman for The Kukah Centre did not immediately return a request seeking comments on Saturday afternoon.

DSS spokesman declined to answer questions from The Gazette about the development.

Politics

Kanu’s lawyer accuses DSS of stopping British Consul, U.S lawyer from seeing IPOB leader

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Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lead counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of denying the duo of Chukwuemeka Ezeife and a British Consul access to Kanu.

Ejiofor, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday night, accused the DSS of also not allowing Kanu’s international and Legal Representative in the United States of America, Attorney Bruce Fein to see his client, insisting that the DSS acted contrary to a subsisting Court order.

According to the lawyer, the judge handling Kanu’s case had clarified that the persons to visit Kanu are no longer restricted to his lawyers and family members but, any other person of his choice.

According to the lawyer, the judge handling Kanu’s case had clarified that the persons to visit Kanu are no longer restricted to his lawyers and family members but, any other person of his choice.

He said: “In line with this Order of Court, we forwarded the list of names scheduled to visit Our Client on Monday, 25th October, 2021, which included Attorney Bruce Fein – our Client’s International Attorney and Legal Representative in the United States of America.

“Attorney Fein arrived Nigeria from the United States of America to witness the Court proceedings of the 21st Day of October, 2021, and also utilize the opportunity of the visit to interface with his Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Unknown to us, a rude shock awaited us as the detaining authority did not stop at keeping us waiting for well over two hours, but thereafter specifically told us that no foreigner, including Bruce Fein would be allowed to visit Our Client, and as such, he would not participate in the visit.

“Attorney Bruce Fein, consequently left the premises of the DSS visibly broken. Apparently, he has gathered enough to feed the International Community upon his return to the United States.

“Today was the turn of the British Consul to experience what the civilized society may refer to as the height of abnormality in the System.

“The innocent woman who flew all the way from Lagos on this special diplomatic engagement, was denied access to Our Client, and told that she is not welcomed for the visit because she’s a foreigner.”

Ejiofor also revealed that the legal team has filed another application for the transfer of Kanu to the correctional center, adding that if the DSS is allowed to remain the custodian of Kanu there would be gross denial of fair hearing and fair trial in these proceedings.

“We shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring that this weighty infraction of the positive Order of Court and by extension, gross violation of our Client’s right is addressed without further ado.

“We still appeal to our Client’s millions of followers to remain calm as we explore all legal remedies available to our Client in the circumstance of this breach.”

Lifestyle

JUST IN: DSS reportedly arrests Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested the Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The actor was arrested by the Nigerian Army on Thursday for allegedly canvassing support for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Chiwetalu was picked up by the secret police few hours after he was released by the army.

A Nigerian writer, Chiagozie Fred Nwonwu, who writes under the pseudonym Mazi Nwonwu, disclosed this on his Facebook page.

He said Agu is presently in the DSS custody.

He wrote: “Chiwetalu Agu is still not free. He is with DSS now. Colleagues say they are looking for a top lawyer to bail him.”

Lifestyle

Gunmen set ablaze DSS, FRSC offices in Anambra fresh attack

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Gunmen on Sunday set ablaze the Department of State Services (DSS) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) offices in Nnewi, Anambra State.

An eyewitness told journalists the gunmen stormed the town in four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and operated for several hours.

He added two persons who tried to make a video recording of the event were killed by the hoodlums.

“A man, who attempted to do a video recording of the unknown gunmen was said to be shot dead at Eme Court junction area of Nnewi, while another man was said to have been killed at Traffic junction area of the town,” the eyewitness added.

The spokesman of the state police command, Toochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack in a statement in Awka.

He, however, said it was a case of fire incident.

He said: “At about 2:00 p.m., on October 3, 2021, the command received a distress call of a fire incident in Nnewi.

“The police operatives are currently on ground and the area has since been cordoned off. Further details shall be communicated.”

Lifestyle

Customs, NDLEA, DSS uncover hard drugs concealed in machine cylinder at Apapa Port

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Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Department of State Service (DSS) have uncovered and seized cartons of Captagon Pills, a hard drug, concealed inside the cylinder of an imported machine at the Apapa Port in Lagos State.

The Customs Area Command Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Usman disclosed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the discovery was made through a joint operation that lasted for one week.

According to the statement, the drugs were discovered after the operatives painstakingly dismantled the machine.

Usman noted that the seizure followed a renewed synergy and cooperation aimed at curbing all forms of port-related lawlessness.

Furthermore, he said the heads of the three services resolved that the operation will be sustained in the fight against all forms of smuggling and infractions.

“One suspect has been arrested in connection with the seizure while further examination and counting are ongoing,” Usman added

Politics

DSS invites ex-Adamawa gov, Bindow, others over ‘anti-Buhari’ meeting

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A former Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Jibrilla Bindow was grilled by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday.

It was gathered that his questioning by the state service was related to a meeting he attended, where some attendees reportedly abused President Muhammadu Buhari and wished him dead.

Ripples Nigeria had reported that the leaked audio of the same meeting, led to the suspension of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caretaker chairman in Yola South, Suleiman Adamu, by the national body of the party.

Speaking on the saga, the media aide to the governor, Sadiq Abdullateef in a statement, confirmed the interaction between the DSS and Bindow on Wednesday, noting that some other people were also invited by the secret police.

He listed five other persons interviewed by the DSS on the same development as Kabiru Mijinyawa, former speaker Adamawa house of assembly; Sulaiman Adamu, acting APC chairman Yola south; Mustapha Barkindo, former adviser during Bindow’s administration; Abubakar Umar Sirimbai, former commissioner, and Yusha’u Adamu.

The statement however cleared Bindow of any blame for attending the meeting, noting that those who recorded and leaked the audio of the meeting were only trying to blackmail Bindow.

Also, the statement explained that when Bindow noticed that some people who attended the meeting were cursing President Buhari, he cautioned them but before the audio was leaked to the public, it had been doctored.

The statement read: “Former Adamawa State Governor, Senator Muhammad Umar Jibrilla Bindow was invited to a party meeting because some members of the party were aggrieved about the just concluded primaries, which he attended as an elder of the party.

It’s worthy of note that, there was no program in the said meeting, he went there and sat and listened to the aggrieved members’ complains, and there was an unwarranted outburst from some members which he cautioned, it’s sad that some people are using that outburst with a recording to malign the former governor.

”The said recording was doctored and if you listened to it very well, there are some conversations that were skipped, Senator Bindow cautioned the members making those unwarranted utterances thrice in the meeting and even threatened to walk out.

”His words were, ‘please this is not right, you don’t wish anybody death because of political reasons, talk less of our leader and father, the president. Let’s make progress please, or I am leaving’.

But because it’s a planned recording to malign and create problems where there is none, his utterances condemning what has been said wasn’t even in the circulated recording.

”As far as we are concerned, we were invited to a meeting and things were said in public and Senator Bindow cautioned the people making those utterances and that was it.

”President Muhammadu Buhari is like a father to Bindow and he will never entertain anything of such on the president.”

Politics

BREAKING: Court stops DSS, Malami from arresting Igboho, blocking his bank accounts

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An Oyo High Court has granted an ex-parte motion restraining the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and Department of State Security (DSS) from arresting the Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Igboho, and blocking his bank accounts.

Justice Ladiean Akintola, who gave the order on Wednesday, also granted the ex-parte motion restraining the DSS and AGF from intimidating and harassing Igboho following an ex-parte motion moved by his lawyer, Yomi Aliu (SAN).

The motion developed from the originating motion seeking N500 billion damages for invasion of his house in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on July 1.

Aliu expressed confidence that Malami will not disobey the court order, noting that it was given directly against his office.
The court adjourned the suit to August 18, 2021.

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