DSS warns media over ‘fake reports’

The DSS’ warning comes on the heels of recent various media reports online which alleged, among other claims, that the Service invaded the offices of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away specific files that implicated President Bola Tinubu.

Another report also claimed that the recent invitation and grilling of the former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, by the DSS was in connection with his alleged refusal to pick up Tinubu’s phone call in the days leading to the Senate presidency election.

While outrightly denying all the allegations it said lacked any factual basis or credibility, the DSS maintained that those reports were hatchet jobs designed to smear or impeach its integrity and leadership.

The Service stated these in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, on Sunday, July 9, 2023.

The statement partly read, “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to false reports by sections of the online media, particularly SaharaReporters, Peoples Gazette and Jackson Ude. The news platforms variously and wrongly fed the public with misleading narratives and accusations against the Service.

“For instance, SaharaReporters wrote that the Service stormed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away specific files from them.

“Jackson Ude falsely claimed that there is a rumble in the DSS due to nepotism. He accused the Service of snooping on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal judges.

“The Service ordinarily would not have responded to these inaccuracies but for the fickle-minded and vulnerable persons and the unsuspecting public that may take the lies for facts.

“To set the records straight, the DSS did not execute operations of any kind at the ICPC and CCB or remove files from their offices. Instructively, the two agencies have, on their own, refuted the news in widely circulated press statements.

“The Service denies all the allegations as they lack factual basis or credibility. They are only figments of the creators’ imaginations.”

He added that, though the DSS is aware of the sponsors, it will allow them to exhaust themselves knowing too well that they would someday be brought to justice, saying, “Many days, it is said, are sure for the thief, but there will be that one day for the owner of the house.”

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