The Department of State Services’ detention of Alhaji Aminu Yaro, the Sarkin Hausawa Lagos, has been heavily criticized by a disturbed Northern Forum which described the situation as a violation of human rights and an affront to the rule of law.
Mohammed Danlami, Chairman of the forum, delivered a statement requesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention. The forum made it clear that if Alhaji Aminu Yaro’s continued detention is not resolved, they will resort to a peaceful protest as a means to express their concerns towards the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the statement, ‘we don’t see any legal reason for the DSS to continue to hold such a respected figure in detention, a community leader and renowned business man along with his wife. This is barbaric, we detest and stand against it, it is not done anywhere in the world, it is not democratic, only under military dictatorship will such a thing happen.’
Read also: Fuel Subsidy: Not A Good Start – Northern Elders Warn Tinubu
‘According to the law, accused persons are innocent until evidence is produced before a competent court to justify their convictions. No such evidence have been produced against Alhaji Aminu Yaro or his wife, yet the DSS continued to hold them in detention.’
‘Clearly DSS mandates and responsibilities are defined, sticking to them is the ideal and professional way to go. As a security agency, it should be the number one promoter of the law, to continue to hold innocent Nigerians over allegations where there is a court order against it, is in no way close to been legally friendly or professional.’
The Forum made a direct appeal to the Department of State Services (DSS), urging them to respect the court’s ruling and release Alhaji Aminu Yaro, along with any individuals held in detention without proper legal grounds.