DSS Demands Retraction from Protester Over Torture Allegations

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a demand for retraction from Khalid Aminu, a prominent protester from the August #EndBadGovernance protests. Aminu, an engineer, had alleged that he was brutalized during his detention by the agency, claims he made during a recent appearance on Channels Television.

Aminu was among several individuals arrested during protests in Kano and other northern regions. Following his release, he recounted harrowing experiences, stating, "What I went through was inhuman... they started beating us... I received a strong cane, like an armoured cable." He described being subjected to severe physical abuse while in DSS custody.

However, in a letter dated November 25, 2024, the DSS, represented by their lawyer Mohammed Sani Ndanusa, SAN, dismissed Aminu's allegations as unfounded. The letter, titled “Re: Allegation of Torture By Department of State Security Officials While Undertaking Custody in Kaduna,” accused Aminu of intentionally misrepresenting the facts to damage the agency's reputation. The DSS claimed that his statements had caused significant embarrassment both domestically and internationally.

The lawyer urged Aminu to retract his statements and publish the retraction in three widely circulated newspapers. He warned that failure to comply would result in legal action against him.

Interestingly, Aminu's claims of torture have been contradicted by other protesters who were detained alongside him. In recent statements, these individuals reported that they did not experience any abuse while in the DSS facility in Kaduna, raising questions about the veracity of Aminu's allegations.