The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied ever
arresting journalist and rights activist Chido Onumah, stating that they only
tried to save him from a possible mob attack.
After more than 12
hours of silence since news of Chido Onumah’s arrest broke, the DSS said this
morning that what it had with the activist was ‘an interaction’.
“He was rather
engaged in an interaction during which an act of his capable of undermining
public order and national security was explained to him”, said spokesman Dr.
Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Monday, September 30th.
According to Premium
Times, Onumah was picked up by DSS agents at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International
Airport on his arrival from Spain on Sunday at about 5pm. He was released
around 10.30 pm at the DSS headquarters, after allegedly being quizzed for
being part of a plot to cause disaffection in the country.
However, the DSS gave a different version of the event. Read
below.
“On his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,
Abuja, on 29th September, 2019, it was discovered that Onumah wore a T-shirt
with WE ARE ALL BIAFRANS inscription on it. With credible intelligence that he
might be a subject of mob attack if allowed to go into town in same cloth, the
Service invited him and drew his attention to the implications of his probable
(un)intended action.
“It was strongly believed that an attack on Onumah would
have sparked ethno-religious reprisals with dire consequences for law and order
and public safety in the country.
He understood the issues and pledged not to engage in
activities that may cause disaffection in Abuja and the country at large. He
subsequently removed the cloth with the inciting symbols and inscriptions and
agreed not to use it.
“The interaction between Onumah and the Service held in a
convivial atmosphere. He appreciated the courtesies extended to him.
Afterwards, the Service arranged for him to go back to his accommodation in
town.
“It is hoped that this clarification has dispelled the
erroneous claims and reportage that he was arrested. The Service acted within
the confines of its mandate and only carried out its routine security duty that
could have been discharged by a similar agency in any part of the world. It is
not out of place for concerned security agencies to have sought clarification
from a traveler concerning a subject of security interest.
“The DSS reaffirms its avowed commitment to the rule of law
and protection of citizens and national critical assets”, Afunanya said.
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