Protests: DSS Releases Six Detained Protesters, Set To Arraign Three

By Akinwale Kasali

The Department of State Services, DSS, have freed no fewer than six persons, who were held over their roles in the protests over “bad governance in Nigeria”.

It was gathered that the said six persons were freed in Kaduna on the orders of the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Three other suspects are, however, being processed by the agency for prosecution having been found to have, allegedly, committed criminal offences during the protest.

Sources within the DSS said: “The DG DSS is not interested in the incarceration of innocent citizens for expressing their constitutional rights.

“But is also not going to allow criminal elements take laws into their hands.

“There is incontrovertible evidence to press criminal charges against the three persons that are being held because we have a prima facie evidence against them.

“The DG DSS reiterates citizen’s right to peaceful protest as enshrined in the constitution and regard for the rule of law.

“However, he is resolute on upholding the mandate of the service to decisively investigate and bring to justice those who exploit such rights to perpetrate crime,” the source said.

The official disclosed that those released have commended the gesture of the DSS and expressed optimism on the humane face with which the service conducted the investigation that culminated in their unconditional release.

The protesters are however planning to take to the streets, again, come October 1, 2024, to protest against Bad Governance and hardship on Nigerians as a result of the economic downturn bedeviling the nation.