By Abiola Olawale
The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted reports alleging that its personnel invaded and assumed control of the premises of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) situated in Abuja.
The security agency described the report as false and misleading.
According to a statement issued by the DSS on Tuesday, its operatives never invaded the Abuja office of SERAP.
The security agency explained that while a team of two unarmed Service operatives went to the office, they lawfully conducted their business.
The statement reads in part: “This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent. For the records, a team of two unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on a routine investigation of the SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials. The Service further wishes to state that such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and do not in any way amount to illegality or raid.
“While it assured of an in-depth investigation of the allegation, it sued for citizens’ participation in national security management.
“The DSS, therefore, urges the public to disregard these false narratives as it restates its commitment to utmost professionalism in the discharge of its core mandate.”
It would be recalled that on Monday, SERAP raised an alarm on an alleged invasion of its Abuja office by the DSS, describing the action as an ‘unlawful occupation’.
SERAP said the DSS officers were demanding to meet with the organisation’s directors.
SERAP said: “Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors.
“President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”
