DSS Ordered to Produce Aides of Sunday Adeyemo in Court
The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Director-General of the State Security Service (DSSS) to present twelve aides of Sunday Adeyemo, known as Sunday Igboho, in court. These individuals have been in detention since July 2, 2021, as Adeyemo faces allegations related to Yoruba separatism.
New Ruling Amid Bail Complications
This latest ruling comes in light of earlier complications regarding bail. Security officials previously denied Adeyemo’s aides the opportunity to secure bail, even after a court ordered their release on July 23. Following an appeal by DSS attorney Idowu Awo, Justice Obiora Egwatu issued a new ruling, granting the DSS additional time to comply with the court’s directives.
Legal Arguments Over Detention Practices
During the proceedings, DSS representatives informed the court that the specific circumstances surrounding the arrests and subsequent detention of the aides prevented their appearance. Awo argued that he had submitted a counter-affidavit to clarify the complexities of the investigation involving the detainees.
Discrepancies in Detainee Names
Awo noted that some individuals listed in the court order did not correspond with those currently in custody, claiming that only four out of twelve names matched those held by the DSS. Despite this, Justice Egwatu dismissed the argument, emphasizing the clarity of the court order and the necessity for the detainees to appear.
Judicial Emphasis on Protecting Freedoms
The judge asserted that the court must safeguard the freedoms of Nigerian citizens, reinforcing the judicial system’s responsibility to uphold rights when they are challenged, as seen in this case. The DSS’s legal team later apologized for their inability to comply and requested a postponement for compliance with the order.
Court’s Directive for Access to Legal Representation
On August 2, Justice Egwatu reaffirmed the order requiring the DSS to produce the detainees in court. Moreover, he mandated that the detainees’ attorney, Permi Olayembesi, be granted access prior to the closing date of this matter.
Concerns Over Legal Violations and Detention Duration
Olayembesi had previously petitioned the court to reprimand the DSS for disregarding a legal court order regarding the detainees’ release. He contended that the DSS’s order permitting a 14-day detention was erroneous and lacked certification as a public record, as mandated by law. His arguments highlighted the unlawful nature of holding the detainees for 25 days without formal charges or the opportunity for administrative bail, despite the presumption of innocence enshrined in legal statutes.
Details of the Detainees
Among those detained are Abdulatehu Ofeyagbe, Amoda Babatunde, Tajudeen Elinoen, Diakola Ademola, Abidine Shittu, Jamiu Noah, and Ayobami Donald, with others including Adelabe Usman, Oluwaperimi Kunle, Raji Kazeem, Taiwo Opeyemi, and Bamidele Sunday. The case involves two respondents: the Director of the Department of State Security and the State Security Service.
