NCSCN Refutes Allegations of DSS Invasion at SERAP Office, Calls for Accurate Reporting
By Perpetua Onuegbu
ABUJA, SEPTEMBER 2024 – The National Civil Society of Nigeria (NCSCN) has dismissed reports suggesting an invasion and attempted arrest of officials from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by the Department of State Security Service (DSS).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, NCSCN Executive Director, Mr. Blessing Akinlosotu, revealed that an independent investigation conducted by the organization found no truth to the allegations.
“We conducted a thorough investigation around SERAP’s office and visited the DSS Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to gather balanced and objective facts,” Akinlosotu stated.
He expressed concern over how the story had been sensationalized and misreported to the public. “Our findings show that the report has not only been twisted but also filled with misleading narratives capable of inciting public contempt and defaming the DSS in the FCT,” he added.
While acknowledging past instances of unprofessional behavior by some DSS officers, Akinlosotu clarified that these did not apply to the case involving SERAP.
“It is crucial to present matters truthfully and contextually. Issues involving security are sensitive and can easily lead to social unrest or disrupt public order. We all have a duty to prevent this,” Akinlosotu said.
He emphasized that the investigation found no evidence of invasion, intimidation, or harassment by DSS officers during their visit to SERAP's office. Instead, the interaction was described as a routine, civil conversation on national issues between the DSS and SERAP.
Akinlosotu called on SERAP to provide evidence of any intimidation if such occurred and urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to avoid exaggerating events or distorting facts for publicity.
NCSCN’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Raymond Edoh, also addressed the press, stressing the importance of collaboration between CSOs and security agencies, especially in challenging times. He advocated for dialogue as a means to resolve national issues.
Mr. Oluyemi Success, Deputy Executive Director (South) of NCSCN, reiterated the organization’s commitment to truth, warning against falsehoods for the sake of attention.
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