Save Me from the Clutches of The Edo State Command PSO Operations and Intelligence of Security Services SSS, Benin Based Lawyer Cries Out to President Tinubu…human rights activist call for investigation 

A Benin based legal practitioner, Douglas Ogbankwa, Tuesday, narrated how he was attacked by a personnel of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Benin City, capital of Edo State.

Narrating his ordeal, Ogbankwa who is also the Director of Strategic Communications, African Bar Association (AFBA) said: “I visited the DSS Office with my client and we were at the Waiting Room when two different ladies at intervals wanted to take my client to go and make statement with out my presence .I protested that I need to be present by the Provisions of the  ACJA .

“It was at that moment that one man wearing blue native attire that I know is the PSO , Operations and Intelligence, came out asked my client to come out and shouted at me to go back to the reception,it was at this point ,I informed him that I was not a Kindergarten pupil that should be pushed around, because he was very uncouth , rude and aggressive 

“He then said I should leave the Office and I told him ,the DSS Office is an Agency of the Federal Government and I was a freeborn , who should be able to access same at reasonable hours of the day .

“It was then I asked my client that we should leave .We were leaving when the PSO Operations and Intelligence ,asked that they  should lock the gate that I was under arrest .I informed him that being assertive is not a crime , but a right as we are in a free society.He slapped me immediately and asked his boys to bundle me into an Underground cell .I was dragged on the floor,cleared from my leg, I received over seven (7) slaps and blows .I stood up and informed them that they are no longer doing SSS Business, but their personal business as I do not know  the State Command Officers to act this way  .This PSO Operations and Intelligence is new and Lawyers have really suffered in his hand .I told him the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must hear this and he said they are the President Boys .One of them even said they will kill me here and nothing will happen I am presently scared for my life as , the man holding gun said if I come to the DSS Office again , they will gun me down .I want President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come to my aid .I have applied for the CCTV Footage to Butress my claim.”

Meanwhile a human right activist, Chief (Dr.) Patrick Osagie EholorPresident, One Love Foundation
Senior Advocate of the Masses (aka Ultimate Equals), has called for investigation on the alleged attack and assault to Barrister Douglas Ogbankwa by officers of the Directorate of State Services(DSS), saying it is very worrisome. 

According to Chief Eholor, the act by DSS personnel shows the level of impunity and disregard for human lives by security agencies in Nigeria.

“Douglas is one of the many Nigerians who suffer abuse by security agencies. This is one reason why we need the Bar Association to speak and condemn the attack. Sanction must also follow against those responsible.

“I am worried that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin has not said anything even after 24 hours of assault. Even when a citizen suffers this kind of embarrassment we run to lawyers but they cannot now fight for their own.

“This is sad and not right. We must act as comrades and show love to each other. The DSS who are involved in this disgraceful behaviour should be suspended as the investigation into this matter, continues”, he declared.

Eholor therefore, suggested the NBA Chairman, Benin should write to the Governor of Edo State about the continuous abuse of lawyers and civilians from the DSS and the need for those involved in such dastard act be transferred immediately out of the state as according to him, “we cannot accommodate such behaviour in this state.”