Author Onumah Taken Into Protective Custody not Arrested – DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS), has denied media reports that it arrested an activist and author, Dr. Chidoh Onumah.

The public relations officer of the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya in a statement on Monday said Onumah was merely engaged in an interaction with the Service following credible intelligence that he may be subject of mob action if he were to allowed to go into the country with a t-shirt he wore which had the inscription,”we are all Biafrans”.

Onumah, the author of ‘We are All Biafrans’ was intercepted on arrival from Spain where he recently concluded his doctorate degree programme by operatives of the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

“With credible intelligence that he might be a subject of mob attack if allowed to go into town in same cloth, the Service invited him and drew his attention to the implications of his probable (un)intended action.

“It was strongly believed that an attack on Onumah would have sparked ethno-religious reprisals with dire consequences for law and order and public safety in the country.”

“He understood the issues and pledged not to engage in activities that may cause disaffection in Abuja and the country at large,” Afunanya said.

He said that Onumah appreciated the courtesies extended to him, adding that it was the service that arranged for him to go back to his accommodation in town.

“It is hoped that this clarification has dispelled the erroneous claims and reportage that he was arrested. The Service acted within the confines of its mandate and only carried out its routine security duty.

“It is not out of place for concerned security agencies to have sought clarification from a traveler concerning a subject of security interest,” the statement said.