The Department of State Services (DSS) has described the outcome of its investigation on Tukur Mamu, publisher of Desert Herald, as “mind-boggling”.
Mamu was arrested by Interpol in Cairo, Eygpt while on his way to Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj. He and other family members travelling with him were later returned to Nigeria and he was promptly arrested at the Kano International Airport by DSS officials.
Mamu, an aide to Ahmad Gumi, a popular Islamic cleric, has been involved in negotiations for the release of persons abducted during an attack on a train in Kaduna, in March 2022.
Commenting on his arrest, Gumi had said detaining Mamu is an act of terrorism and that the DSS should either charge him to court or release him.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Peter Afunaya, DSS spokesperson, said the security agency would not be distracted by “skewed utterances”.
Afunaya asked the public to wait for the commencement of court proceedings.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has followed, with keen observation, overzealous comments by sections of the public in view of issues relating to the arrest and investigation of Tukur Mamu,” he said.
“The service wishes that it is not distracted by some of the skewed narratives pervading the media space.
“Instead, it requests to be left alone to concentrate on the ongoing investigations, the outcomes of which have remained mind-boggling.
“Meanwhile, the service will cease further comments on the subject matter since the court will determine its course.
“Consequently, the public is hereby enjoined to desist from making unguarded utterances and await the court proceedings.”