SSS arrests Ganduje’s aide hours after demanding Buhari’s resignation
The State Security Service on Friday arrested an aide to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje hours after he criticised President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of Nigeria’s security crisis, according to a Kano government official.
Salihu Tanko-Yakasai was taken into custody shortly after his Twitter post condemning Friday’s abduction of Zamfara schoolgirls went viral online.
His arrest was not immediately disclosed, prompting friends to take to social media to raise concerns about his whereabouts on Saturday morning.
An SSS official in Kano told the Gazette Mr. Tanko-Yakasai was arrested while returning from the mosque on Friday afternoon, adding that the governor was yet to be informed about the development.
“Alhamdulillah we just confirmed @dawisu is at DSS office,” a Kano government spokesman also said on Twitter Saturday morning, injecting immediate calm into initial apprehension palpable across the microblogging platform.
“@dawisu was arrested and taken to Abuja from kano. #FreeDawisu now!,” another friend said.
A spokesman for the police in Kano said the matter had not been reported. A spokesman for the SSS did not immediately return a request seeking comments on Saturday morning.
Mr. Tanko-Yakasai, who has worked as Mr. Ganduje’s media handler since 2015, was suspended from office for several weeks last year after criticising Mr. Buhari over insecurity. Both Messrs. Ganduje and Buhari are political allies of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The SSS, a domestic intelligence outfit, has been notorious for cracking down on critics of Nigerian brutal regimes for decades. The outfit was infamous as a prime suspect in the arrest, disappearance and murder of critics under dictator Sani Abacha.
After staying mildly away from controversies following Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999, the SSS returned to its brutal ways under Mr. Buhari, conducting regular crackdowns on critics, including Yele Sowore, Obadiah Mailafia and several journalists and activists.
An SSS official in Abuja told the Gazette that Mr. Tanko-Yakasai was taken to the agency’s facility along Yakubu Gowon Crescent in Asokoro, Abuja.
This story is still being updated as a developing event.
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
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.”
Economy
Photographer urges FG to open Aso Rock for local, international tourists
Mr Adedayo said it was time for Nigeria to learn from other nations.
NationWide
Tourism minister urges preservation of historical assets
“Community engagement is vital to the preservation of our assets and history.’’
Economy
Nigeria’s investment climate boosted by critical reforms, says Tinubu
“Our doors are open for economic opportunities and trade.’’
NationWide
Customs federal unit zone A seized contraband items worth N35.91billion in 31 months: Controller
Mr Ejibuni said 22 people were convicted of different offences in 31 months.
States
NSCDC nabs two suspected electricity cable vandals in Katsina
Mr Buhari said one of the suspects, Sani, belonged to a team of a notorious syndicate.
Sport
Ministry signs N35 billion MoU with firm for sports development
Mr Enoh said that the partnership would help to inject funding into sports development from the private sector.