Print all In new window No lawyer detained in our custody- DSS

THE Department of State Security (DSS), on Wednesday, denied ever arrested any lawyer, as being erroneously perceived in some quarters, saying it would be helpful, if any discerning person could inform the Nigerian public when those in its custody were called to the Bar or which law schools or Universities they attended.

Apparently reacting to Monday’s protest by the so called Lawyers, a top DSS personnel, who did not want his name in print confided in the Nigerian Tribune that the protest by the group, claiming to be acting on behalf of some aggrieved lawyers and Human Rights activists, has other hidden motives.

The source said the entire campaign of calumny and calls for the resignation of the DSS DG were not supported with facts.

 

Informed DSS source added that the protesters represent a familiar pattern from Ikenga, who was being sponsored by his benefactor in Rivers state to orchestrate violent demonstration to paint security agencies and government in bad light.
“The protesters’ main grouse was that some lawyers who were members of their group were being detained by the DSS. I wish to state categorically that no lawyer is in our custody. I repeat, no lawyer is being detained in DSS custody.

“The names like Ugochukwu APUMAGA, Emeka DIBIA and Ejike NWACHUKWU that were paraded on Monday by the protesters as members of their group are not lawyers.

 

“They were arrested by the service for their role in the botched moves by Governor Nyson Wike to orchestrate violent demonstration with inciting and subversive posters.

“Ikenga Ugochukwu was arrested with the trio. This is no longer secret because it was made public by the Service.

 

“In any case, the Service is not known to be in denial of any arrest it had ever made as it always avail members of the public of those it arrested and the reasons.

“It is therefore curious and even strange if these organizations being mentioned are not pseudo organizations being used by Ikenga, to carry out paid jobs.

“As far as the Service is concerned, there is no lawyer in detention and if these persons mentioned are lawyers, it will be helpful if any discerning person can inform the Nigerian public when they were called to the Bar or which law schools or Universities they attended”, the stated.