The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied arresting journalist and rights activist, Chido Onumah, on his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Sunday.
A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, on Monday said the secret police rather questioned the writer to save him from a possible mob attack.
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According to Afunanya, Onumah’s shirt bearing the words “We are all Biafrans”, which is the title of a book he authored, was capable of undermining public order and national security.
“On his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on 29th September, 2019, it was discovered that Onumah wore a T-shirt with WE ARE ALL BIAFRANS inscription on it. With credible intelligence that he might be a subject of mob attack if allowed to go into town in same cloth, the Service invited him and drew his attention to the implications of his probable (un)intended action.
“It was strongly believed that an attack on Onumah would have sparked ethnoreligious reprisals with dire consequences for law and order and public safety in the country. He understood the issues and pledged not to engage in activities that may cause disaffection in Abuja and the country at large. He subsequently removed the cloth with the inciting symbols and inscriptions and agreed not to use it.
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“The interaction between Onumah and the Service held in a convivial atmosphere. He appreciated the courtesies extended to him. Afterwards, the Service arranged for him to go back to his accommodation in town.
“It is hoped that this clarification has dispelled the erroneous claims and reportage that he was arrested. The Service acted within the confines of its mandate and only carried out its routine security duty that could have been discharged by a similar agency in any part of the world. It is not out of place for concerned security agencies to have sought clarification from a traveller concerning a subject of security interest.
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“The DSS reaffirms its avowed commitment to the rule of law and protection of citizens and national critical assets,” Afunanya said.
Onumah was picked up at the airport on his arrival from Spain at about 5 pm and released around 10.30 pm.
Speaking after his release, Onumah said “they (DSS) said some people had issues and had contacted them whether I was a part of a group that was planning against the country.”
