DSS Accused of Raiding Home of Detained Bokkos Youth Leader, Chaining His Legs During Search
The Department of State Services (DSS) has been accused of raiding the residence of the President of the Bokkos Youths Support Association (BOYSA), Samaila Kaigama, while he remains in detention, with allegations that operatives chained his legs and ransacked his home in an attempt to obtain evidence for prosecution. The DSS has not publicly responded to the allegations.
According to human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, heavily armed DSS operatives arrived at Kaigama’s residence in two Hilux vehicles at about 4 p.m. on Friday and conducted an extensive search of the premises. Sowore alleged that the operatives left without recovering any incriminating evidence.
Sowore further claimed that Kaigama disclosed he had continued to suffer maltreatment while in DSS custody, alleging that he had been denied food and forced to drink water from a toilet in an effort to pressure him into surrendering evidence. According to Sowore, Kaigama insisted that any evidence in his possession would only be presented before a court if he is formally charged.
Kaigama was reportedly arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, shortly after appearing on Channels Television, where he made allegations concerning alleged ransom payments to Boko Haram terrorists. Rights advocates have questioned the circumstances surrounding his arrest, while lawyers reportedly said they were denied access to him at the DSS headquarters.
The incident has generated renewed concern among civil society organisations and human rights advocates, who are calling on the DSS to either charge Kaigama before a competent court or release him in accordance with the law. As of the time of reporting, the DSS had not issued an official statement addressing the allegations surrounding the raid, the reported treatment of the detainee or the denial of access to his legal representatives.
