DSS

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have taken former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, into custody at the federal high court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai appeared in court on Wednesday after operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) brought him forward for a hearing on his bail request.

The DSS later assumed custody of the former governor after the court adjourned its ruling on the bail application until April 14.

The ICPC had earlier arraigned el-Rufai alongside Joel Adoga on March 24 over allegations related to fraud and money laundering. Both defendants denied the charges when they were presented before the court.

After the session, Oluwole Iyamu, counsel to el-Rufai, expressed optimism about the outcome of the pending decision.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14. We look forward to that day. We are hopeful,” he said.

“We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice. We await the decision of the court.”

Iyamu also addressed another case involving the DSS, which is scheduled for April 10 at the federal high court in Abuja. He stated that the legal team is prepared for the proceedings.

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

Earlier in February, the DSS filed a three-count charge against el-Rufai over allegations of unlawful interception of a telephone conversation. The case followed remarks he made during a television interview.

While speaking on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television, el-Rufai alleged that “someone wiretapped” Nuhu Ribadu’s phone, which allowed him to hear instructions from the National Security Adviser directing security operatives to arrest him.

Tension is rising in Taraba State following the prolonged detention of a cleric of the Global Methodist Church, Reverend Beziel, who was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sources within the church said the cleric was taken from his residence in the early hours of February 22, 2026. The arrest reportedly occurred around 2am under conditions described as “shocking and unlawful.”

Concern has continued to grow among church members and residents over the development, especially as no official explanation has been given for the arrest.

According to a report by a Nigerian online newspaper SaharaReporters, a church member, Ruhania Idris, expressed worry over the situation. He stated that efforts to secure the pastor’s release have not been successful.

“Our pastor, Reverend Beziel, was taken from his home in the dead of night by DSS operatives without prior notice or explanation. Since then, he has been held for weeks without any clear charges brought against him,” Idris said.

He also alleged that a payment was made in an attempt to facilitate the cleric’s freedom, but the situation remains unchanged.

“We were made to believe that paying N15 million would secure his freedom, but even after raising and paying the money, he is still in detention. This has left us confused, distressed and feeling completely helpless,” he added.

Idris further revealed that the pastor is no longer in DSS custody. He said the cleric has been moved to a correctional facility in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. He noted that the transfer has raised fresh concerns about due process.

“He is no longer even in DSS custody; he has been moved to the correctional centre in Jalingo, yet no one has told us what offence he committed. We are in the dark,” Idris said.

The situation has become more troubling after claims that a top state government official distanced the administration from the matter.

“The Secretary to the State Government allegedly told us plainly that he does not know anyone who can facilitate the pastor’s release. That statement has deepened our fears that justice may not be served,” Idris stated.

The development has triggered reactions from religious groups and residents. Many are demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities. They are also calling for clarity on the legal basis of the arrest and continued detention.

Family members and church leaders have appealed to civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the public to intervene. They want either the immediate release of Reverend Beziel or his appearance in court without further delay.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Contrary to widespread speculation that he had been killed or had gone missing, Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, also known as Sheikh Khalifa Zaria, is alive and being held in protective custody by Nigerian security agencies, PR Nigeria reported.

The cleric, who disappeared earlier in 2026 after traveling to Abuja and having his bank account frozen, is currently being investigated by a joint team of the Nigerian Military and the Department of State Services (DSS). The investigation centers on a transfer of approximately ₦2 million from a military officer implicated as a key suspect in a foiled coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to intelligence sources quoted by the news platform, Sheikh Khalifa’s detention followed the discovery of the funds in his account.

“Sheikh Khalifa is alive and healthy in protective custody. His arrest followed the discovery of funds in his bank account transferred from one of the suspected military officers involved in the attempted coup,” a source disclosed.

However, sources close to the cleric’s family offered a different narrative, describing the transaction as a routine spiritual offering. They claimed the soldier obtained the Sheikh’s account number through a student and sent the money with a request for prayers and blessings , a common practice among religious followers in Northern Nigeria.

“There was no political discussion, no criminal intention, and nothing beyond a request for prayers,” a family source maintained.

Concerns over the wellbeing of Sheikh AbdulKadir have intensified in recent days amid mounting public speculation. A fundamental rights suit filed to demand his release was heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja on February 18 and March 13, 2026. The presiding judge has adjourned the matter to April 10, 2026, for final judgment.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar weighed in on Wednesday, calling for the cleric’s immediate release or prosecution. In a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office, he described the prolonged detention as a “grave violation” of fundamental rights and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic principles.

“The continued detention of Sheikh Khalifa without due process poses a significant threat to the rule of law and risks eroding the fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens,” Atiku said.

He also raised concerns over the authorities’ silence regarding the cleric’s condition, adding that “Nigeria cannot continue to claim the status of a democracy while the rights of its citizens are routinely and brazenly violated.”

Despite the legal and public pressure, intelligence sources insisted that the cleric would remain in custody until the investigation is concluded. “He would soon be arraigned in court for prosecution after the completion of the investigation alongside others,” the official added.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Alumni of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship have called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental human rights.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the group expressed “deep concern” over what it termed the illegal detention of El-Rufai, arguing that it contravenes constitutional guarantees of personal liberty, dignity and due process under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The alumni further criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to produce the former governor before the Federal High Court on February 25, 2026, stating that this action infringes his right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time as provided under Section 36 of the Constitution.

According to the statement, the right to be brought promptly before a court is “not discretionary but an essential safeguard of personal liberty and justice.” The group urged all relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions and uphold the rule of law.

The fellowship alumni also highlighted El-Rufai’s record in public service, particularly his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, where they said he implemented institutional reforms and socio-economic development programmes with measurable impact. They noted that the establishment of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship was among his initiatives to encourage youth participation in governance and leadership.

Reaffirming their solidarity, the group called on well-meaning Nigerians to support their demand for justice and due process. They insisted that every citizen is entitled to protection from unlawful detention and urged authorities to grant El-Rufai full rights to defend himself without prejudice.

The statement concluded with a renewed demand for his immediate release, emphasising that adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law is critical to strengthening public trust in national institutions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The State Security Service (SSS) on Wednesday night took former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

El-Rufai had been held by the anti-graft agency since Monday over allegations of corruption. He was granted bail around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Witnesses said armed SSS operatives were already stationed at the EFCC headquarters and moved in immediately after his release.

Security agents then transported him to the SSS headquarters located in the Asokoro District of Abuja. As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not indicated when he might regain freedom.

His latest arrest is tied to allegations that he illegally intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Earlier on Monday, the SSS filed cybercrime charges against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, followed comments he made during a live interview on Arise Television last Friday.

During the programme, El-Rufai alleged that the NSA’s telephone line had been tapped. He claimed he overheard instructions directing security operatives to detain him. He linked those alleged directives to an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where security personnel attempted to arrest him upon his return from Cairo, Egypt, last Thursday.

Eyewitnesses recalled that the encounter at the airport became heated. Officials briefly seized his international passport and later escorted him out while supporters chanted nearby.

Following the television interview, prosecutors from the SSS filed charges, accusing him of admitting to intercepting the NSA’s communications. The prosecution also alleged that he failed to report others involved in unlawful interceptions. Authorities further claimed his actions endangered public safety and national security through the use of technical systems to monitor the NSA’s phone.

Investigators said the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. A date for arraignment has not yet been announced, and El-Rufai has not issued a public response to the charges.

Developments Leading To Arrest

Recent events began unfolding after his return to Nigeria from Cairo. Security operatives first attempted to detain him at the Abuja airport shortly after arrival.

Video clips that circulated online showed a confrontation between security officials and members of his entourage. Reports indicated that his passport was confiscated during that episode.

El-Rufai later accused the NSA of ordering the attempted arrest through the SSS. He repeated the allegation during his Arise Television appearance, insisting he had knowledge of the directive through intercepted communication.

His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the airport incident. He described the attempted arrest as arbitrary and a breach of constitutional rights. The lawyer explained that an EFCC invitation had been delivered to his client’s residence while he was outside the country. He said immediate compliance was not possible under those circumstances.

Akpan added that his client formally notified the EFCC of his readiness to honour the invitation voluntarily upon return, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday. He also demanded the return of El-Rufai’s passport. He argued that its seizure violated his client’s dignity, movement rights, and constitutional protections. He warned that legal steps would follow any unlawful detention.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially confirmed that it seized the international passport of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as part of an active investigation into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, a lecturer popularly known as Dadiyata.

A top security source disclosed to the press on Monday that the former governor is being probed for his alleged involvement in the kidnap and disappearance of Idris. According to the source, the security agency moved to prevent El-Rufai from leaving the country after he briefly returned to Nigeria, allegedly to orchestrate a swift exit.

“El-Rufai is fully aware that the DSS is investigating him for Dadiyata’s kidnap,” the source stated. He explained that the former governor had planned to visit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) this week before “flying back to Cairo. Seizing his passport has shattered his plans.”

The investigation into the case has been reopened following months of intelligence gathering. The security source alleged that El-Rufai, who was the sitting governor of Kaduna State when Idris was abducted from his home in August 2019, may have had prior knowledge of the incident. The lecturer’s whereabouts remain unknown to date.

The probe has intensified following El-Rufai’s recent appearance on Arise Television, where he claimed that a “remorseful policeman” had confessed to being part of a team sent from Kano State to carry out the abduction. The former governor attempted to shift responsibility to former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, stating, “If anybody is to be asked about the disappearance of Dadiyata, it is the Kano state government.”

Security agencies, however, view this explanation with skepticism. “It would be interesting to know what a man who had been a minister and governor did with such key information,” the source said, questioning why El-Rufai failed to report the alleged confession to law enforcement at the time.

In a significant expansion of the probe, the DSS also stated that El-Rufai’s sons, Bello and Bashir, would be invited for questioning. Investigators pointed to old social media posts from 2019 and 2020 that suggest the family was aware of Dadiyata. In one post, Bashir El-Rufai criticized those asking “#WhereisDadiyata,” while Bello El-Rufai posted a cryptic message stating, “The things that we’ve done to protect the name are unsettling… Death to a coward and a traitor.”

The DSS clarified that its investigation is focused specifically on the alleged kidnapping, separate from financial corruption probes being conducted by the EFCC and ICPC regarding El-Rufai’s tenure as governor. An ICPC source noted that the former governor’s allies have been avoiding questioning regarding a separate probe into alleged misappropriation of funds during his administration.

The development has sparked widespread reactions, with human rights activists, including Omoyele Sowore and Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, as well as former Senator Shehu Sani, calling for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution.

By Uzair Adam

The Department of State Services (DSS), Kano Command, has rescued a five-year-old boy, Muhammad Haruna, who was abducted in Dan Zaki Village, Minjibir Local Government Area.

The Daily Reality reports that the DSS, in a statement issued on Friday, said the minor was rescued at about 7:40 p.m. on February 12, 2026, by its Tactical Team in Dan Zaki Village.

The statement indicated that the operation followed a formal report that Haruna had been abducted by suspected kidnappers to an unknown destination, with a demand for N15 million ransom.

According to the DSS, a 20-year-old suspect, Aminu Mukhtar, was apprehended during the operation while negotiating with the victim’s father using GSM number 07084228695.

“In the course of debrief, Mukhtar affirms that he abducted the victim with a view to collecting ransom,” the statement said.

It added that the suspect and the rescued minor are currently in command custody for further action.

By Anwar Usman

A magistrate Court in Jigawa State has ordered the arrest of a serving officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of kidnapping 16 year old Muslim girl, sex related charges, unlawful detention, and forcefully converting her to Christianity.

The order was issued by the Magistrate Court of Jigawa State sitting in Hadejia, presided over by His Worship, Sadisu Musa Esq., in Suit No: DCC/01/2026, between Abdulhadi Ibrahim and Ifeanyi Festus.

Contained in the court order, dated January 7, 2026, the magistrate directed the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, or senior officials of the DSS, to aprehended the respondent, Ifeanyi Festus, and investigate the alleged offences pursuant to Sections 125 and 102(5) of the Jigawa State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

In the same vein, the court further ordered the DSS to immediately release and reunite the alleged victim, Walida Abdulhadi, with her parents.

The court order in part reads “Upon hearing Mr. Kabiru Adamu Esq. appearing with Babangida Garba Esq Counsel to the Applicant moving this Court praying for an order of this Court for the Arrest of the Defendant and Investigation of the alleged offences by the Commissioner of Police Jigawa State Police Command Pursuant to Section 125 of the ACJL and 102(5) of the same Law.”

The court ordered that “the defendant be arrested by the Commissioner of Police Jigawa State Police Command or Deputy Director General of the Department of State Security Services and/or any officer under them.”

“That the Commissioner of Police Nigerian Police Force Jigawa State Command is HEREBY ORDERED to discreetly investigate this case.

“That the Department of State Security Service Shall immediately release/reunite the Victim (WALIDA ABDULHADI) to her parent.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of Musa Abubakar, believed to be a major supplier of arms to criminal groups in Plateau State and northern Nigeria. The operation was based on intelligence reports leading to his detention on November 12, 2025.

A DSS source confirmed that Abubakar admitted to producing and distributing high-calibre weapons and ammunition used in violent attacks across Plateau and neighbouring regions.

The arrest followed a targeted raid on his weapons manufacturing facility in Mista Ali, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. Authorities reportedly found Abubakar with IED components, chemicals, and manufacturing equipment, all seized by DSS operatives.

This development comes days after the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, alias Bomboy, a prison escapee linked to the Owo and Deeper Life Church attacks. DSS headlined recent successes in counterterrorism efforts, including the detention of nine high-profile suspects involved in incidents in Plateau and Benue states.

Among those detained is Timna Manjol, 46, who pleaded guilty to firearms charges related to the attacks, according to court documents. Manjol is affiliated with First Baptist Church in Mangu, Plateau.

Security analysts view these arrests as part of the DSS’s ongoing crackdown on violent extremism in the region.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of promoting forgery and deceit as instruments of governance, following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Atiku described Nnaji’s “voluntary resignation” as an attempt to cover up a scandal that exposes the “deep moral crisis” within the Tinubu government. He said Nnaji should have been dismissed and prosecuted for falsifying documents rather than allowed to quietly exit.

Atiku also faulted the Department of State Services (DSS) for clearing Nnaji despite alleged discrepancies in his records, accusing the agency of “failing in due diligence” and embarrassing the nation.

He linked the scandal to what he called a wider pattern of deceit that “begins from the very top,” pointing to longstanding controversies over President Tinubu’s own identity and academic credentials.

“When a man of questionable identity leads a country, deception becomes the standard of governance,” Atiku said, alleging that Tinubu’s personal history has “institutionalized falsehood in public service.”

The former vice president called for an independent and transparent investigation into the academic and professional records of all members of the Federal Executive Council, starting with the president.

Atiku concluded that Nigeria would continue to suffer “moral decay, economic ruin, and global embarrassment” unless integrity was restored to public life.