Saturday, September 26, 2026

HEDA criticises SSS siege of CISLAC’s office, says CSOs not intimidated

The group said corrupt individuals were using compromised law enforcement agencies to harass CSOs.

• January 1, 2022
Auwal Rafsanjani/Yusuf Bichi
Auwal Rafsanjani/Yusuf Bichi

Anti-corruption organisation, HEDA, says civil society organisations will not be intimidated by constant harassment by security operatives, but will continue to fight corruption in the country.

“We in the civic space would never be intimidated nor retreat from our mandates,” says the Human and Environmental Development Agenda.

The group was speaking in reaction to the invasion of the office of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) in search of the organisation Executive Director, Auwal Musa.

HEDA’s chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, in the statement on Saturday condemned the unwarranted invasion and target on CSOs fighting corruption in the country.

He expressed displeasure that the invaders were yet to be identified, and urged the federal government to order the investigation into the identity of those who invaded CISLAC’s office.

“We urge every government agencies especially those in the security sector to be wary of Persons or group of Persons who are only good at impersonating them (Security agencies) to perpetuate evil in the country.

“This is imperative now following the attempt to use compromised law enforcement agencies to harass civil society practitioners by those accused of corrupt practices and decline in the image of Nigeria, hence the need for government to redeem and boost its corporate standing from abyss,” the statement read.

“We must be reminded that no sane country would think or act in any way geared towards silencing Civil Society organizations or other like-minded fellows,” Mr Suraju added.

“It’s expected that we support individuals and corporates to restore moral sanity in our society for the betterment of every Nigerian,” he added.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States

One suspect arrested as troops foil terrorist attack in Kaduna

Mr Danja said the suspect was was currently in military custody for further investigation.

road crash scene

States

Road users, health professionals seek prompt medical attention for accident victims 

Mr Oyedele said, “Delays at any stage of that process can complicate the patient’s condition.”

Heading 1

Wife cheers as Moses Simon joins Super Eagles’ 100-cap club after Madagascar win

The Paris FC winger became the fifth player to play 100 times for the Super Eagles after Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo and Alex Iwobi.

Heading 5

EFCC returns N84 million to businessman duped in Edo land deal

The EFCC said, “During investigation, it was discovered that Abraham transferred the money to Eborome but she diverted the money for her personal use.”

Women in technology

NationWide

Prioritise data protection, NDPC urges women tech entrepreneurs

Mr Olatunji said strong data protection could safeguard individuals.

Abuja

NationWide

Fashion entrepreneur, others task youths on skills acquisition for self-reliance

Mr Obi called for government support and funding for young entrepreneurs.