The Department of State Services (DSS) has responded to the accusations made by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) regarding an alleged invasion of the rights group’s Abuja office.
SERAP had raised the alarm, claiming that DSS officers stormed their premises and demanded to meet with the organization’s directors.
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In a statement released yesterday, SERAP called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and instruct the DSS to stop what they described as intimidation and harassment.
“A tall, large, dark-skinned woman entered our office, accompanied by a slim, dark-skinned man. Other officers were sighted in two unmarked vehicles stationed outside our office. The officers who interrogated our office requested to see our directors,” the statement noted.
Following the alleged incident, many Nigerians expressed outrage, condemning the DSS’s actions as a violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of association and expression.
However, the DSS, in a statement issued on its official website on Tuesday, dismissed the allegations, stating that the visit to SERAP’s office was part of a routine investigation. “This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent,” the agency said, clarifying that only two unarmed officers were sent to conduct lawful inquiries.
The statement further explained, “Such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and do not in any way amount to illegality or raid.” The agency also reiterated its commitment to professionalism and called on citizens to participate in national security efforts.
The DSS urged the public to disregard what it described as “false narratives” surrounding the event.
