The Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday November 15, debunked claims of disobeying court orders by stating that the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki; leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Shiek Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoleye Sowore opted to remain in their custody instead of prison. 

The Secret Police backed its claim by recounting how El-Zakzaky opted to return to its custody even after being granted leave to seek medical care in India.

A statement released by the DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya read “There has been outcry about alleged illegal detention of some notable persons undergoing trials at the Courts and disobedience to Court Orders by the Service. To put the records straight, the Service wishes to advert public attention to the circumstances that warranted the custody of Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky in its facility.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the duo had appealed to the Courts to be left in the custody of the Service instead of being taken to the Correctional Centres. Well meaning Nigerians are equally witnesses to the case of Omoleye Sowore, who, on a similar order of the Court, was to be remanded at the Kuje or Suleja Centre, but preferred to be kept at the DSS.”

Afunanya stated that these personalities opted to stay in DSS custody because their holding facilities are good and within acceptable international standards. He added that they extend the best courtesies to their detainees by allowing access to people and use of other facilities like telephones, gym, TV, newspapers and medical facilities.

The DSS spokesperson maintained that it is not in the character of the agency to join issues with persons or groups. 

“Against the wrong perception that the Service held these persons in defiance to Court Orders, it is obvious, by the above explanations, that they rather chose to be looked after by the DSS.

“This is simply because the Service’s holding facilities are good and within acceptable international standards” the statement added. 

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