Reps probe DSS over illegal detentions, human rights abuses

The House of Representatives on Thursday, said it will probe the Department of State Security (DSS) over allegations of abuse of fundamental rights of Kano neurologist, Dr. Yunusa Dangwani and other detainees held by the agency.

The investigation is to be conducted by the House Committee on Justice and that on National Security and Intelligence.

This resolution is sequel to the adoption of the motion sponsored by Rep. Ali Madaki (APC/Kano) complaining about the continued detention of the Kano based neurologist, who he alleged was whisked from Kano and is currently been detained at the headquarters of the DSS in Abuja, in addition to similar cases like those of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and others.

Rep. Madaki in his motion frowned at the continued detention of Dr. Dangwani by the DSS, two weeks after his arrest without charging him to court or granting him bail.

He said that it was unconstitutional to continue to detain the neurologist and deny him access to members of his family and lawyer.

“Refusing him access to legal representation and family violates his right to dignity as a person and is a clear violation of Section 34 (1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution,” the lawmaker said.

According to him, every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person and shall not be subjected to torture or to inhumane or degrading treatment.

The House member faulted the DSS for being inhumane and not respecting the dignity of the Kano based medical doctor as well as the rights of Col. Dasuki and several others suffering a similar fate.

Rep. Madaki therefore, urged the House to stand its ground and defend the constitution.

He warned that the continued detention of Dr. Dangwani and others contravene the constitution, adding that “it was time to call the service to order because they had constituted themselves into an institution operating under a different law and constitution.”

Majority of House members who contributed to the debate on the motion supported the probe while three members opposed the motion.

Rep. Aminu Suleiman (APC/Kano) in justifying the continued detention of the neurologist informed the House that Dr. Dangwan’s arrest followed issues of high security concerns in Kano state.

He said that the medical doctor was fingered in an alleged terrorism scare in the state for which he was picked up by the DSS and brought to Abuja.

“I want to guide the House; if we allow this motion, it means we are intimidating the security agencies and we will be the first to say, they are incompetent and not serious,” he said.