Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) laid siege at the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) on Monday, reportedly seeking to question the organisation’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare. According to Oluwadare, the DSS officers arrived at the office around 11 am and asked his colleagues if he was available for a discussion.
Speaking to FIJ, Oluwadare confirmed that the DSS officers sought to speak with him but did not provide further details about the nature of their visit. “They didn’t meet me; and my colleagues said I wasn’t around. They then asked if there was any other director they could speak with, but they said none was on the ground. So, they stepped out to make some calls and then came back in. This was when my colleagues saw they came in two vehicles,” he explained.
DSS Stages Operation at SERAP Office, Seeks to Question Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare
The DSS operatives reportedly remained outside the office for some time after leaving but eventually departed the premises. At the time of writing, no arrests have been made, and the reason for their interest in Oluwadare remains unclear. “I do not know why they are looking for me,” he added.
This development comes a day after SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the recent increase in the pump price of petrol, describing the hike as illegal and unconstitutional.
The presence of DSS agents at SERAP’s office has raised concerns about potential government pressure on the organization, especially in light of their advocacy and legal actions challenging state policies.
Related Story: For more information on SERAP’s recent legal action regarding the petrol price hike, read on LegalLinkz.
