Reps probe arrest of Saraki’s aide by DSS

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, mandated its committee on Public Safety and Intelligence to investigate the arrest of President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ugochinyere, who is an aide to Senate President, Bukola Saraki, by the Department of State Services (DSS).

This followed the adoption of a motion raised under matter of public importance by Rep. Goodluck Opiah (Imo-PDP).

Moving the motion, Opiah said that the arrest of Ugochinyere by the DSS was because of the opinion he expressed in a television interview relating to the trial of the Senate President.

According to the lawmaker, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution as amended guaranteed the freedom of opinion of all Nigerians, including Ugochinyere.

He added that “Section 35 of the Constitution, as amended, further guaranteed the personal liberty of Ugochinyere and l am worried that he has been held for more than 14 hours by the DSS.

“If no action is taken, the rights of Nigerians will continue to be infringed upon by our security agencies,” he said.

The House in its resolution therefore, directed the DSS to release the detainee or, in alternative, come out publicly to explain his offence.