FROM N100 TO DEATH: ‘DSS NEVER PARTICIPATED IN OPERATION AT LEKKI’ – DSS PRO AFUNANYA • Expresses Services’ commitment to inter-agency collaboration
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reacted to an online publication written by one Adio Oluwole Bashir who claimed that he led the team which arrested the bike riders that killed and burnt David Imoh on 12th May in Lekki, Lagos. He alleged in that online report that he did so in his capacity as a DSS officer.
Reacting to the issue, the PRO of Department of State Services (DSS), National HQ, Peter Afunanya shared in a press statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP, ‘The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby dismisses a false online publication authored by one Adio Oluwole Bashir who purported to be a former staff of the Service. Bashir claimed to have led the team that arrested suspected killers of David Imoh, a sound engineer allegedly murdered on 12th May, 2022 at Lekki, Lagos State. He further alleged that the suspects who were of Hausa origin were exchanged with Christians.’
Disconnecting itself from Bashir, DSS noted in the press statement released to NAOSNP, ‘Consequently, the Service states that Bashir is neither a serving nor retired staff on its roll. Besides, his writing style and use of paraphernalia gave him out as fake and an impostor. Findings have, however, revealed that his aim is to ignite an ethno-religious conflict.’
‘His co-conspirators are elements of separatist groups who are desirous of achieving the same objective as well as pitting security agencies against one another.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has issued an unambiguous statement on the entire episode. The Command’s clarification should guide public understanding of what actually transpired. Dragging the DSS which never participated in the operation at Lekki into his skewed account exposes the lies and intentions of Adio Oluwole Bashir and his cohorts’, Trek Africa Newspaper gathered.
Afunanya concluded: ‘The DSS wishes to state that the write-up is completely false and frowns at the calculated effort to use its name for malicious purposes. It therefore requests the public to disregard the misleading narrative.
The Service also warns those bent on throwing the country into violence to retrace their steps and give peace a chance. While it reaffirms its commitment to continue to work with sister agencies to ensure lasting peace in the country, it will also not hesitate to bring to book those determined to break the law.’
