The Department of State Services (DSS) says the allegation by the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky that the secret police diverted money meant for him and his wife was false.
El-Zakzaky had told PUNCH over the weekend that the DSS diverted N4 million monthly allowance meant for him and wife while in their custody. He claimed to have taken care of his feeding and that of his wife during the period.
But DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya debunked the claim on Monday, saying it was a “complete falsehood” to malign a “noble organisation like the DSS.”
“The Service is completely guided by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) which governs its suspect handling rules,” The Nation quoted him as saying.
“It is unfortunate someone like him chose to lie. Possible he lost complete memory about the facts and the truth. The DSS doesn’t maltreat suspects. While in India years back, he chose or preferred to be returned to the DSS custody. Why? Because according to him, he had better treatment. So, we will ignore him.”
Afunanya added that the DSS respects laws and will always be governed by the principles of rule of law.
He added that the director-general of DSS Yusuf Bichi is a “democrat who respects rules of engagement and democracy.”
