Onumah Not Arrested, We Only Told Him The Implications Of His Dressing —DSS

The Department of State Service has denied arresting renowned
author and columnist, Dr. Chido Onumah.

It, however, said the Service “engaged” the writer in an
“interaction” following what it described as a threat to national
security and public order.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations
Officer of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunnaya, in Abuja, on Monday.

The statement reads in part, “To 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.

“On 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’ inscribed on it.

“With 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. “

The service said it 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.

Afunnaya said, “He (Onumah) understood the issues and pledged
not to engage in activities that may cause disaffection in Abuja
and the country at large.

“He subsequently removed the cloth with the inciting symbols and
inscriptions and agreed not to use it.

“The interaction between Onumah and the Service held in a
convivial atmosphere. He appreciated the courtesies extended to
him.

“Afterwards, the Service arranged for him to go back to his
accommodation in town.”

The Service insisted that it 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.

Noting that It was not out of place for concerned security
agencies to have sought clarification from a traveller concerning a
subject of security interest, the DSS reaffirmed its avowed
commitment to the rule of law and protection of citizens and
national critical assets.

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