DSS Has No Hand In Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s Arrest And Detention… DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi, Tells Court

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi has faulted the claim by deposed Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that he (Bichi) was involved in his alleged arrest, detention and subsequent confinement.

The DSS chief stated that neither himself nor any of his personnel were involved in the various incidents claimed by Sanusi, which he allegedly breached his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights.

Bichi said, as against Sanusi’s claims, the DSS and its personnel gave protection to the deposed Emir and his immediate family ” from any untoward development from perceived opponent of the applicant.”

Sanusi is claiming, in a fundamental rights enforcement suit he filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, that security agents, including operatives of the DSS breached his rights by among others, harassing and forcing him out of the palace and confining him to a community in Nasarawa State against his wish.

The DG, DSS’s position is contained in a set of court documents he filed in opposition to the suit by Sanusi.

He said, in a supporting affidavit, that neither him (the 2nd respondent) and nor any of the officers under his command were involved in the alleged arrest and detention of the applicant (Sanusi).

Part of the affidavit reads: “On 9’“ March. 2020 about 1030 hours the head of all security agents held the State Security Council meeting.

“In the course of the meeting, it was disclosed that the applicant has been dethroned as the Emir of Kano.

“The heads of the security agencies resolved to escort the state government delegation to the palace of the applicant with a view to ensuring law and order in the area.

“The mission of the officers of the 2nd respondent to the palace of the applicant was to ensure the security of lives and property of the applicant and members of ms immediate family.

“The officers under the 2nd respondent were at the palace to protect the applicant from any untoward development from a perceived opponent of the applicant.

“The officers of the 2nd respondent neither arrested the applicant nor embarrass the applicant

“Upon escorting the applicant as protective shield to the airport, the officers of the 2nd respondent withdrew after the applicant boarded.

“The 2nd respondent was not involved in the alleged detention of the applicant.”

The DG DSS urged the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction

He hinged his prayer on the grounds, among which include that the alleged infringement complained of by the applicant occurred in Kano State, and that no infringement of the applicant’s right occurred in Abuja.

Bichi argued that the courts in Abuja lack the jurisdiction to hear and determine any infringement of the fundamental human rights of anybody that occurred in Kano State.

He added that there is a Federal High Court in Kano State.

Justice Anwuli Chikere on March 13 this year granted an ex-parte order directing Sanusi’s release from confinement.

Justice Chikere adjourned till March 26 this year for the hearing of the substantive suit.

The hearing scheduled for Thursday has however differed till April 7, this year owing to the effect of the COVID-19.