The Department of State Security Service (DSS) says it has the power
to seize the passport of any Nigerian, and has accordingly filed an
appeal against Thursday’s ruling by a court compelling it to return the
passport of sidelined Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Sanusi Lamido
Sanusi.
Spokesperson Marilyn Ogar expressed the disappointment and
dissatisfaction of the department with the ruling of Justice Ibrahim
Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Sanusi’s application for the
enforcement of his fundamental rights.
In addition, the judge also ordered the Federal Government to tender a
public apology to Sanusi and to pay to him N50m in damages.
Ms. Ogar however argued that DSS had acted in accordance with the
law, citing Section 3(2) (b) of Instrument SSS No. 1 of 1999
made pursuant to Section 6 of the National Security Agencies (NSA) Act.
“The State Security Service is hereby empowered to impound and keep
in its custody the passports or any other property of persons or
organizations under investigation if considered appropriate by the
Director General,” she quoted. “Returns of all such seizures shall be
rendered to the National Security Adviser, while such passports shall be
returned to the Owners as soon as the investigation is concluded”.
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