Nigeria: Dept of State Services Parade 'Dead' Ekiti State Lawmaker

By Ronald Mutum and Doyin Adebusuyi

Abuja and Ado Ekiti — The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday presented the detained Ekiti State House of Assembly member, Akanni Afolabi, before journalists in Abuja.

Speaking at a news conference to dismiss rumours of his death, a DSS official, Abdullahi Garba, said: "Akanni Afolabi was duly invited by the service over some serious breaches bordering on state security and for which he has some explanations to make. These breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate."

"Nigerians and Ekiti people in particular are convinced to see that Afolabi is hale and hearty as he is being presented to the press today," he said.

He warned that those peddling the rumour to desist as the service would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against any one or persons that may engage in violent action of any kind.

Garba, who said the did not get any court order directing the lawmaker's release, urged Ekiti residents to go about their normal businesses, assuring them of full protection by security agencies.

Earlier yesterday, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi speaking at a press conference at the Governor's Office in Ado-Ekiti, said Akanni had died in DSS custody.

He said information reaching the state government confirmed that the lawmaker developed ailment at night and died in the cell of the DSS on Thursday morning.

Akanni had been in detention since the alleged invasion of the assembly by DSS on March 4.