Personnel of the State Security Service, SSS, are currently laying siege on the private residence of the immediate past National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, in the Asokoro district of Abuja.
A source familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES that the operatives, led by one Mohammed, arrived Mr. Dasuki’s residence at about 6:40 pm in four Hilux vans and asked all the soldiers on guard to stay away.
They said they were at the property to see the former NSA for official reasons.
Another source in Sokoto said while the Abuja drama was on, another set of SSS operatives were carrying out a similar siege on Mr. Dasuki’s family House, owned by his father, a former Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, in Sokoto metropolis.
“They have descended on his father’s compound in Sokoto and have so far searched the whole house including a large container that has been in the compound for many years,” the source said of the Sokoto Home.
He also said the operatives locked all occupants of the House inside and were not allowing anyone in or out of the building.
Our Abuja source said the SSS operatives were still outside the residence of Mr. Dasuki insisting on seeing him and threatening to force their way in.
“He has refused to let them in and right now they are threatening to force themselves in,” he said.
It is not clear what the former NSA’s offences are. The SSS could not be reached for comments at this time.
Since Marilyn Ogar was removed as spokesperson, the SSS is yet to introduce a new spokesperson to the media.
But a former aide to the retired colonel said his boss was never invited by anyone to answer any questions they may have.
“They just descended on his home, no formal invitation, no arrest warrant,” the aide said. “If they want him to answer question, they should have at least have the courtesy of inviting him. Is it a crime to serve ones country.”
President Buhari had said on May 30, a day after his inauguration, that officials of past administrations were entitled to their full rights and privileges under the constitution, and must not be subjected to any undue harassment and intimidation.
“We must treat fellow citizens with courtesy and respect,” the President said at the time.
Mr. Dasuki was relieved of his appointment as NSA on Monday.
He was appointed NSA by former President Goodluck Jonathan on June 22, 2012 to succeed, Andrew Azazi, who died in an helicopter crash in Bayelsa state.