The National Civil Society of Nigeria (NCSCN) has refuted reports claiming that the Department of State Security Service (DSS) invaded the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and attempted to arrest its officials. This clarification was made by Blessing Akinlosotu, the Executive Director of NCSCN, during a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Akinlosotu explained that after conducting an independent investigation, including visiting the DSS FCT Command and examining the situation around SERAP’s office, NCSCN found the allegations to be unfounded. He expressed shock at the sensational manner in which the incident was reported, stating that the story had been distorted with misleading narratives that could incite public contempt and tarnish the DSS’s reputation.
Although Akinlosotu acknowledged that isolated incidents of overzealous behavior by some DSS officers had occurred in the past, he emphasized that this was not the case with SERAP. He stressed the importance of handling security matters carefully, as misrepresentations could lead to social unrest.
NCSCN’s findings revealed no evidence of invasion, intimidation, or harassment by DSS officers at SERAP’s office. Akinlosotu described the interaction as civil and friendly, focusing on discussions about leadership, operations, and SERAP’s stance on national issues. He called on SERAP to present any proof of intimidation and urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to avoid exaggeration and distortion of facts.
Supporting this stance, NCSCN’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Raymond Edoh, and Deputy Executive Director for the South, Oluyemi Success, emphasized the need for truthfulness and collaboration between CSOs and DSS, noting that both entities are partners in progress. They cautioned against instigating false narratives and emphasized that any claims should be based on absolute truth.