Ekiti lawmaker in DSS custody not dead, Fayose’s govt lied

Ekiti lawmaker in DSS custody not dead, Fayose’s govt lied

Thursday, March 17, 2016 6:50 pm


 

DSS operatives

DSS operatives

By Eromosele Ebhomele

One of the members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, western Nigeria, Afolabi Akanni, arrested by security operatives some days ago, is not dead, contrary to the statement by the Ekiti state government that he  died in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

The DSS after the allegation by the Fayose administration, brought out the man, to prove he is alive.

Akanni was one of the four members of the House allegedly arrested by the DSS early this month.

Fayose: crying wolf

Fayose: crying wolf

The state Commissioner for Information, Youths and Sports Development, Lanre Ogunsuyi, alleged he was dead  at an emergency press conference on Thursday.

“Information reaching us indicates that one of the abducted members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly,  has died in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

“It will be recalled that the honourable member has been unlawfully incarcerated in DSS custody since March 4, 2016. A court order directing his release since March 11, 2016 was ignored by the DSS.

Afolabi Akanni

Afolabi Akanni: Alive

“Significantly, since his illegal detention, he has been held incommunicado without access to his family members, doctors and lawyers.

“We call on the DSS to immediately clarify the situation as to the status (dead or alive) of Hon Afolabi Akanni, representing Efon Constituency by producing him physically for all Nigerians, particularly his immediate family to see.

“While we are waiting for the DSS, we urge every resident of Ekiti State, particularly the people of his immediate Constituency in Efon to remain calm,” he told journalists.

Abdullahi Garba, an official of the DSS said that Akanni was arrested for some serious breaches bordering on state security.

“You may have been aware of the recent situation in Ekiti state in which the DSS was accused of abducting the state assembly legislators.

“The fact is that one of the members of the assembly, Hon Akanni Afolabi, was duly invited by the service over some serious breaches bordering on state security, and for which he has some explanations to make. These breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate.

“This press conference has become necessary in order to debunk a rumour which is being dangerously spread in Ekiti state by some mischief makers to the effect that Afolabi has died in custody.

“Nigerians and Ekiti people in particular are convinced to see that Afolabi is hale and hearty as he is being presented to the press today,” he declared.

A fortnight ago , DSS arrested  Afolabi Akanni, Musa Arogundade, Badejo Anifowose and Sina Animasaun – representing Efon, Ado 1, Moba 2 and Ekiti West 2 State Constituencies.


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