Sokoto: Gubernatorial Candidate Convoy Attacked, DSS Operatives Detained

• The ADC's gubernatorial candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, reported an alleged attack on his convoy near Sokoto Airport on October 30.
• Personnel from the state-owned Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard allegedly blocked the Manir Muhammad Dan’iya convoy, fired shots, damaged his vehicle, and detained two DSS operatives.
• The ADC claims the security outfits were acting on "orders from above" to prevent party members from entering the state.
• The APC chairman, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, dismissed the allegations as propaganda, citing inconsistencies and attributing the security deployment to a traditional ceremony.
• Dan’iya has called for federal investigations by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, into the incident.

The alleged Sokoto gubernatorial candidate convoy attack and the subsequent detention of DSS operatives in Sokoto raise significant questions regarding the conduct of state-controlled security outfits during election periods.

A significant dispute has emerged between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, following an alleged assault on the convoy of the ADC's gubernatorial candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya. The incident, which reportedly involved personnel from the state-owned Sokoto Marshal and the Community Guard, is said to have occurred around 9 pm on Friday, October 30, near the Sokoto Airport. This confrontation took place shortly after Dan’iya had accompanied former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport for his departure to Abuja.

According to a statement released by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate claimed that security personnel obstructed his Manir Muhammad Dan’iya convoy, preventing its movement. These individuals allegedly asserted they were acting under "orders from above" to restrict ADC members from entering the state. The candidate further alleged that gunshots were discharged during the encounter, resulting in damage to his vehicle. Crucially, two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, who were part of his security detail, were reportedly detained during the Sokoto Marshal security incident.

Dan’iya expressed profound concern over the events, stating that if security forces could impede a gubernatorial candidate, discharge firearms during a confrontation, damage his vehicle, and detain federal officers assigned to his protection, then the public in Sokoto is owed immediate explanations. He has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, and other relevant authorities to launch an investigation into the matter. His appeal includes identifying those responsible for the alleged directives and securing the release of the DSS operatives detained in Sokoto, should they still be in custody. The ADC also previously reported that vehicles bearing the party's insignia had been prevented from entering the state due to the deployment of these security outfits at various entry points.

In response to the ADC's allegations, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, the state chairman of the APC, vehemently rejected the claims, characterizing them as mere propaganda. Adiya suggested that the accusations were fabricated to garner public sympathy and undermine the state government, while also serving as a diversion from the ADC's own internal political challenges. He specifically questioned the veracity of the ADC's account, particularly the assertion that state security personnel detained federal DSS operatives and interfered with their vehicles.

Adiya further highlighted what he described as inconsistencies within the ADC's narrative. He noted that while the party's media aide reportedly stated that Dan’iya was prevented from entering the Sokoto metropolis, the candidate's own statement indicated he had visited various locations within the city for condolence visits and other engagements. The APC chairman also dismissed the claim that security personnel were deployed to restrict ADC members from entering the state.

Instead, Adiya clarified in a telephone conversation on Saturday that the security deployment was directly linked to preparations for a significant traditional title conferment ceremony scheduled for the upcoming Sunday. He explained that this event was anticipated to draw prominent personalities and numerous visitors from across the country, necessitating comprehensive security arrangements. Adiya maintained that these security measures were intended to safeguard residents and visitors, rather than to impede the political activities of any opposition party. He emphasized that the security arrangements had no connection to the ADC or its political endeavors, as Sokoto was preparing to host an important traditional ceremony.

The alleged Sokoto gubernatorial candidate convoy attack and the subsequent detention of DSS operatives in Sokoto raise significant questions regarding the conduct of state-controlled security outfits during election periods. The incident underscores potential challenges to the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of political actors, contributing to broader Nigeria election security concerns.

This situation also brings into focus the delicate balance of power and jurisdiction between state-level security forces, such as the Sokoto Marshal, and federal agencies like the Department of State Services. The allegations of "orders from above" to prevent political entry into the state, if substantiated, would represent a serious abuse of authority and a direct interference with democratic processes. Such incidents can erode public trust in security institutions and the fairness of elections.

The demand for answers from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, reflects a broader expectation for federal oversight in ensuring that all security personnel operate within legal frameworks, particularly during politically sensitive times. The incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, including political candidates, to participate freely and safely in the democratic process without undue interference from state actors.

Lawyers should note the potential for legal challenges arising from alleged abuse of power by state security outfits during election periods, particularly concerning unlawful detention of federal operatives and interference with political campaigns. This incident highlights the need to advise clients on legal recourse for such actions and monitor compliance with electoral laws and human rights.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH newspaper.