•Yahaya Idris
The Department of State Services, DSS has been urged to release Yahaya Idris it allegedly detained since January, 2024 without prosecution.
In a statement signed by Yahaya Otaru on behalf of the family and made available to journalists today in Lokoja, Otaru noted that the disappearance of Yahaya Idris since January 18, 2024 has caused untold hardships on the immediate family, friends and well wishers, reports Daily Independent.
He said, the mystery behind the whereabouts of Idris for about ten months has created uneasiness with the Felele communities in Lokoja, and his Eika homestead in Okehi Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, “this incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens, particularly in relation to the activities of security agencies.
“Idris Yahaya’s detention without informing the family of his whereabouts for ten months is worrisome and has left his family, friends, and the entire Felele and Eika communities in a state of distress.
“As a young boy, Idris had his whole life ahead of him, filled with promises and potentials. His sudden and unexplained disappearance has robbed him of his freedom, and his loved ones are left to grapple with the uncertainty of his fate.
While charging the DSS to maintain professionalism in the handling of their duty, it should not at any provocation resort to unwarranted arrest and detention of suspects without arraignment in the court of competent jurisdiction.
He reminded the state Secret Service that her primary duty is first and foremost to protect lives and property of citizens, as resorting to commando methods to abduct and detain citizens without due process is unacceptable in a democratic setting.
“We demand that the DSS provide immediate clarification on Idris Yahaya’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his detention. “His family and community have the rights to know what has happened to him and to be assured of his safety and well-being.
“This incident highlights the need for greater oversights and accountability mechanisms to ensure that security agencies operate within the bounds of the law and respect the fundamental rights of citizens. The Nigerian government must take concrete steps to address these concerns and ensure that such incidents are curtailed,” he demanded.
According to him the safety and security of citizens, particularly vulnerable members of the society, should be a top priority for any responsible government.
He called on the DSS to provide transparency and accountability in this matter and ensure that Idris is released and reunited with his loved ones.
Recall that Idris Yahaya who hails from Eika, in Okehi Local Government Area and lives in Felele Area of Lokoja has been missing since January, 2024. However, fingers are pointing to the DSS for his disappearance.
