We’re awaiting credible persons to receive Sowore ― DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS), on Wednesday, reinstated that the detained Publisher of Sahara Reporter, Comrade Omoyele Sowore was still being kept in its custody as the appropriate persons have still not turned up to take his delivery.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by its Spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, the Service clarified that its operatives did not open fire on alleged protesters who had stormed its facility in Abuja on Tuesday as alleged in a section of the media.

According to the Service, “For emphasis, the Service reiterates its avowed readiness to release Sowore once the processes are concluded. It maintains that the appropriate persons have still not turned up to take delivery of Sowore

“While all those that have so far shown up are not directly concerned with the matter and therefore unqualified, many others have either chosen to grandstand or politicise it to achieve hidden interests

” In the last few days, the Service has continued to witness deliberate campaigns of calumny, threats and aspersions against it.

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“It will not, for any reason, join issues with its Mudslingers. The media is called upon to be neutral and remain champions of the truth.”

It pointed out that it was only appropriate that those who stood surety for Sowore present themselves and have him released to them and not for the unknown faces to the law to be clamouring for his release to them.

According to the Service, “it is even more disappointing that Femi Falana, who is a senior lawyer, would wrongly guide his client and supporters.

“He is rather playing to the gallery and mobilizing miscreants to subvert the Service and other state authorities.

“He has excellent relationship with the DGSS. But in the circumstance, he has refused to reach out to him over the case like he had on previously related ones.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Service restates its commitment to the rule of law and particularly respect to the Court”.

The Service, therefore, called for calm but stated that it would not be intimidated or harassed into hasty actions.

While reassuring the public that it would not waste a second to release Sowore if the proper processes are followed declared ” and Falana, sure, knows what these are”.

On the alleged shooting of protesters on Tuesday by the Operatives of the Services, Afunanya denied the claim.

According to him, “as a normal global security practice, the operatives stood in defence of their facility when some group of persons made unruly attempts to forcefully break into the place and effect the release of Omoyele Sowore.

“Despite serial and unwarranted provocations, the Service, as a professional and responsible Organisation, did not shoot at the so-called protesters. It could not have done so.”