Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly raided the residence of the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, as investigations into his detention continue.
Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, made the allegation in a post on his X account, claiming that heavily armed DSS personnel arrived at Kaigama’s home in two Hilux vehicles at about 4 p.m. and conducted a thorough search of the property.
According to Sowore, the operatives were searching for evidence to prosecute Kaigama but reportedly left without finding any incriminating material.
He further alleged that Kaigama was restrained during the operation, claiming his legs were chained while the officers searched the premises.
Sowore also accused the DSS of subjecting the detained youth leader to inhumane treatment while in custody. He alleged that Kaigama had been denied food and forced to drink water from a toilet in an attempt to pressure him into handing over evidence allegedly in his possession.
According to Sowore, Kaigama refused to comply with the alleged demands, insisting that any evidence he possesses would only be presented before a court if he is formally charged.
The DSS has not issued any official response to the allegations as of the time of this report.
Kaigama’s detention has attracted criticism from rights advocates, who have called on the DSS to either charge him to court or release him in line with constitutional provisions.
He was reportedly arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, a development that has sparked concerns among civil society groups over what they describe as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
Sowore had earlier disclosed that a lawyer from the chambers of Deji Adeyanju was denied access to Kaigama at the DSS headquarters despite waiting for more than an hour.
He linked the arrest to Kaigama’s recent appearance on Channels Television, where the BOSYA president made allegations concerning alleged ransom payments to Boko Haram terrorists.
Sowore maintained that the arrest was intended to silence Kaigama over the claims, an allegation the DSS has yet to address publicly.
