•They're spoilt for choices in food, watch TVs, read newspapers
The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified that contrary to the popular belief, the trio of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), Shiites leader Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zazaky and activist, Omoyele Sowore, opted to stay in their custody on their own volition.
DSS Spokesperson, Mr. Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a bombshell statement on Friday, titled: 'Setting The Records Straight'.
Afunanya said the trio on seperate trials asked the Court to remand them in the DSS custody instead of the Correctional Service Centres (former Nigerian Prison Service).
Part of the statement read: "There has been outcry about alleged illegal detention of some notable persons undergoing trials at the Courts and disobedience to Court Orders by the Service. To put the records straight, the Service wishes to advert public attention to the circumstances that warranted the custody of Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky in its facility.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the duo had appealed to the Courts to be left in the custody of the Service instead of being taken to the Correctional Centres. Well meaning Nigerians are equally witnesses to the case of Omoleye Sowore, who, on a similar order of the Court, was to be remanded at the Kuje or Suleja Centre, but preferred to be kept at the DSS."
"Everyone, also, saw what eventually played out with El-Zakzaky, when he opted to be returned to the custody of the Service even as the Court had granted him leave to seek medical care in India. These were choices these personalities made on their own volition.
"Since their stay, the Service has continued to extend the best courtesies to them.
They are allowed access to people and use of other facilities like telephones, gymnasium, TV, newspapers and medical facilities."
Afunanya noted that among others, their families and trusted persons bring them food of their choices on daily basis, adding "there could not have been better treatments than these".
He stressed that against the wrong perception that the Service held these persons in defiance to Court Orders, it is obvious, by the above explanations, that they rather chose be looked after by the DSS.
According to him, the reason for such choice is not farfetched, as it "is simply because the Service’s holding facilities are good and within acceptable international standards.
"It is not in the character of the DSS to join issues with persons or groups. Yet, silence should not be golden at a time like this. For its compliance to democratic norms, the Service owes the Nigerian public a duty to explain some of its activities. This is more so that these are oftentimes grossly misunderstood or misrepresented".
He also restated the Service's commitment to a strong partnership with the media and other stakeholders including opinion leaders, adding that it is not averse to criticisms and therefore welcomes constructive engagement from all and sundry.
Afunanya further assured that the DSS will continue to conduct its operations within the bounds of the law and importantly be guided by that time tested axiom of Usman Dan Fodio that conscience is an open wound and only the truth can heal it.
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