The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted reports that it arrested Dr Chido Onumah in Abuja on Sunday evening.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer, DSS National Headquarters, Abuja, Dr Peter Afunaya, Onumah was only engaged in an interaction during which an act of his capable of undermining public order and national security was explained to him.
The said act, according to the statement, was wearing a T-shirt with the inscription WE ARE ALL BIAFRANS on it.
It reads: โThe Department of State Services wishes to make clarifications regarding media reports that Dr Chido Onumah was arrested by the Service.
โTo set the records right, Onumah was never arrested by the Service. He was rather engaged in an interaction during which an act of his capable of undermining public order and national security was explained to him.
โOn his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on 29th September, 2019, it was discovered that Onumah wore a T-shirt with WE ARE ALL BIAFRANS inscription on it.
โWith credible intelligence that he might be a subject of mob attack if allowed to go into town in same cloth, the Service invited him and drew his attention to the implications of his probable (un)intended action.
โIt was strongly believed that an attack on Onumah would have sparked ethno-religious reprisals with dire consequences for law and order and public safety in the country.
โHe understood the issues and pledged not to engage in activities that may cause disaffection in Abuja and the country at large.
โHe subsequently removed the cloth with the inciting symbols and inscriptions and agreed not to use it.
โThe interaction between Onumah and the Service held in a convivial atmosphere.
โHe appreciated the courtesies extended to him. Afterwards, the Service arranged for him to go back to his accommodation in town.
โIt is hoped that this clarification has dispelled the erroneous claims and reportage that he was arrested.
โThe Service acted within the confines of its mandate and only carried out its routine security duty that could have been discharged by a similar agency in any part of the world.
โIt is not out of place for concerned security agencies to have sought clarification from a traveller concerning a subject of security interest.
โThe DSS reaffirms its avowed commitment to the rule of law and protection of citizens and national critical assets.โ
