SSS releases former NSA, Sambo Dasuki, vacates sealed Abuja residence

The operatives of the State Security Service, who placed the
immediate past National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, under house
arrest since Thursday, have vacated his sealed Abuja residence,
releasing their two major detainees.
Mr. Dasuki and his friend, retired Colonel Bello Fadile, were released
Friday evening 24 hours after the operatives descended on the
property, placing them under arrest.

Mr. Fadile was visiting Mr. Dasuki when the operatives arrived and he
was promptly detained with his host.
A source familiar with the matter said the operatives left after taking
statement from Mr. Dasuki, asking him questions about the cars found
in his compound, some of whom our sources said belonged to his wife
and guests.
The cars had earlier being towed away early Friday morning, and are
yet to be returned, according to a friend of Mr. Dasuki.
The SSS operatives had surrounded the House, located at John Kabiya
street in the Asokoro District of Abuja, Thursday evening and barred
anyone from entering or exiting.
While the siege on the Abuja property was on, another set of
detectives descended on a property belonging to Mr. Dasuki’s father
in Sokoto, holding occupants hostage and searching everywhere.
PRNigeria, an agency that distributes press releases on behalf of
Nigerian security agencies, later circulated a statement that Mr.
Dasuki’s passports and other vital documents were seized.
“Even though there is no more restriction of his movement, Dasuki
still feel aggrieved that he was deprived of performing his religious
obligation of attending the Eid Prayers, marking the end of Ramadan
Fasting,” PRNigeria said.
“Dasuki has vowed to challenge the action by seeking legal redress in
order to enforce his fundamental human rights.”
Even while his men were sealing Mr. Dasuki’s property, the acting
Director General of the SSS, Lawal Daura, told PREMIUM TIMES he
had no knowledge of the operation.
“I am not aware of any siege,” Mr. Daura said. “What we are doing is
celebrating Sallah and not carrying out any siege or house arrest.”
Mr. Dasuki was removed as NSA on Monday by Mr. Buhari after
serving for three years as Nigeria’s National Security Adviser.
He was appointed on June 22, 2012 by former President Goodluck
Jonathan.