Nigeria’s secret police. the State Security Services, SSS, also known as DSS, has refuted what it described as fake news and videos circulating in the social media about alleged recovery of N21 billion, PVCs and weapons in the Katsina and Abuja homes of its sacked Director General, Lawal Daura.
In a statement on Monday, Tony Opuiyo, spokesman of the secret service said the alleged items were non-existent.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had claimed in its report that “the fake news media industry” had alleged that N21 billion in cash, 400 assorted and sophisticated small arms and light weapons/rifles and thousands of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) belonging to Niger Republic immigrants were found in Daura’s homes.
According to NAN some fake video also in circulation, showed some persons believed to be personnel of a security outfit were seen forcing open safes stocked with money. The security operatives were described as executing a recovery operation at the Katsina home of the former DGSSS.
The DSS said categorically that the videos are false and should be disregarded.
“So far, no such recovery operations have been undertaken by the EFCC or any other security agency at DSS’ office or residences of the former DG”, Opuiyo said..
“There is no doubt that different interests have continued to give varied accounts of the incident of last week at the National Assembly.
“It may, however, be recalled that the Presidency had pledged to carry out a detailed investigation regarding the alleged National Assembly siege.
“The public is, therefore, advised to exercise restraint in their narration of events and as such, desist from spreading fake news or engaging in activities that may mislead or further cause a breach of the peace as well as preempt the outcome of investigations”, Opuiyo said.
Lawal Daura was sacked last week Tuesday on the orders of Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, following the blockade of the gates of the National Assembly by hooded and armed DSS operatives.
Osinbajo condemned the action as a gross violation of constitutional order, rule of law and all accepted notions of law and order. He said the blockade was unauthorised by the executive.
A statement issued by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Acting President, said that the action of the DSS was not authorised by the presidency.
Daura, who was born on 5 August, 1953, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on 2 July 2015, following the dismissal of his predecessor Ita Ekpeyong.
He once worked in the service and retired.
Acting President Osinbajo has appointed Matthew Seiyefa as acting DG of the agency.
