The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed as false, reports circulated by certain online media outlets, in respect of a purported raid on the offices of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in respect of corruption files on President Bola Tinubu and some other politically exposed persons.
The DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, clarified that the news platforms that purveyed the pieces of news and the purported arrest of Senator Abdulaziz Yari, had deliberately spread misleading narratives and baseless accusations against the Service.
One of the claims made by one of the online news platforms was that the DSS conducted raids on the ICPC and the CCB, taking away certain files.
Additionally, another news platform falsely alleged that there was internal unrest within the DSS due to nepotism, and the publisher further accused the Service of spying on judges of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
Some other news platforms reported that Senator Abdulaziz Yari was arrested for supposedly refusing to answer a phone call from the President, which Afunanya dismissed as absurd and laughable.
There are also other unverified and anonymous petitions circulating against the Director-General of the DSS, his family, and some officials.
Afunanya explained that ordinarily, the Service would not respond to such inaccuracies, but it felt compelled to address them for the sake of the easily influenced public who may mistake the lies for facts.
He clarified that the DSS did not conduct any operations at the ICPC or CCB offices or remove any files from those institutions.
Moreover, both agencies have independently refuted these claims in widely circulated press statements.
The allegation that Yari was invited solely for not answering the President’s call was deemed baseless, and Afunanya pointed out that Yari himself knows the real reason for his invitation.
“The Service categorically denies all the allegations as they lack factual basis or credibility,” he said, emphasizing that they were merely fabrications of the authors’ imagination.
“Notably, the publishers in question have gained a reputation, both nationally and internationally, for spreading fake news, engaging in sensational and unethical journalism.
“Their modus operandi involves character assassinations and various forms of blackmail,” he said.
Afunanya stated that it was evident that the reports in question were intended to tarnish the reputation of the Service and its leadership.
The DSS had already alerted the public to this smear campaign in June 2023.
“While the Service is aware of the sponsors behind these calumnious campaigns, it will allow them to exhaust their efforts, knowing that they will eventually face justice.
“The adage ‘many days for the thief, one day for the owner of the house’ holds true. The authors and sponsors seem oblivious to the widespread acclaim the Service has received from the majority of stakeholders for its excellent performance and professional handling of critical national issues.
” Instead, they have chosen to use their platforms to subvert the Agency and undermine its capabilities.”
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, as well as the independence and autonomy of other agencies such as the Judiciary and Legislature, he said the DSS would not shy away from its responsibilities.
“Detractors will not deter the Service from carrying out its statutory duties or lawful orders from constituted authorities.
“If Yari or any other individual needs to be invited or taken into custody, the Service will not hesitate to do so within the confines of the law.”
Afunanya assured stakeholders that the Service would remain focused, resilient, patriotic, and professional in its operations.
He said that “The public is urged to disregard the misleading stories aimed at sowing a seed of discord in the country and disparaging the Service’s leadership.
“The DSS will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges in line with its mandate and the directives of the President.
“Regardless of how many times naysayers and hostile agents attempt to distract it, the Service remains committed to its mission.”
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
