The Department of State Services (DSS) said it does not detain citizens on the order of powerful people.
This is in reaction to an opinion in a newspaper written by Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi where it alleged, “hundreds of innocent citizens are currently languishing in Police and State Security Services (SSS) detention centres across the country, following arrests ordered by powerful men and women.”
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Public Relations Officer of the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement titled: “Re: Beyond Abba Kyari’s Indictment” said the opinion written by Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi was misinforming, inciting, and should be withdrawn.
The statement reads: “Dear Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, without efforts to join issues with you on an opinion expressed by you in your article of 5th August 2021 on the above subject matter, the SSS takes exceptions to the part that states that ‘Hundreds of innocent citizens are currently languishing in Police and State Security Services (SSS) detention centres across the country, following arrests ordered by powerful men and women.
“This is not true. I do not speak for the Police but it is certain that no Nigerian or anyone for that matter is in the SSS/DSS custody on the order(s) of private citizens or persons. The SSS has a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) on the criminal justice administration.
“The media owes a duty, propelled by good conscience and the common good, to guide public narratives about some government agencies and their sacrifices to uphold security, peace, and unity of this nation, Nigeria.
“The SSS should not be run down given the slightest opportunity. You had been at the commanding heights of governance and national security administration and management to understand issues so as not to misinform the public.
“It is unacceptable for a respectable columnist of your experience and status to make a sweeping statement like the one herein. It is misleading, inciting, denigrating, demeaning, misinforming, and should be withdrawn.
“The SSS and indeed security agencies, if not praised, should be supported. The Organisation may not be perfect but it is doing so much for the Country.
‘’It respects and loves the citizens and residents and strives to serve them based on best practices, rule of law/engagement, and a balance between rights and national security.
“Thank you Sir as you correct this erroneous impression created about the Service. I remain your partner in progress and service to fatherland.”