DSS Agents Ordered Not To Arrest People Over Civil Matters

Department of State Services (DSS) agents have been warned against arresting people over civil matters and they are expected to stay away from such an action, Director General of the security agency, Mr  Oluwatosin Ajayi, has submitted.

 The Sun newspaper in its report noted that Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi said this was done to strengthen adherence to the rule of law and improve the security agency’s human rights record.

Submitting that since assuming office, he has introduced reforms across five broad areas: law enforcement, inter-agency synergy, accountability, respect for human rights and infrastructural and administrative reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, the reforms, he added, had also brought about a clearer distinction between civil and criminal matters within the agency.

 ‘You cannot apply the use of force in civil matters. Even some criminal matters don’t require force’ he said.

Mr Ajayi cited the case involving a political economist, Professor Pat Utomi which had to do with allegations of attempting to establish a ‘shadow government’ in the country saying the security agency had opted to seek judicial interpretation rather than arrest him.

‘Rather than arrest him, we sought judicial interpretation. And the Court ruled that his adventure was unconstitutional, illegal, and a threat to national security’ he added.

Mr Ajayi also said the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project had approached the court over allegations that two DSS agents invaded its premises and no one made attempt to arrest them while the court eventually awarded over N100 million in favour of the non-governmental organization.

‘Yes. I have told my people that there should be no arrest in any civil case. And I’m sure you have found out that, even in cases involving journalists, we would rather approach the court because we do the same job.

I call you guys our professional colleagues. The only difference is that, while you inform the public, we inform the Government. And because we inform the Government, our information is classified until we declassify it’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you