The Department of States Security (SSS) has refuted the allegation that they have arrested and detained seven staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A social media report on Thursday went viral alleging that the secret Police had arrested some ICT staff of INEC
for conniving with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar and disclosed to him the commission server identity.
The statement was released by, Peter Afunanya, the public Relation Officer of the SSS in Abuja.
He said that the report stated that the INEC staff were detained and tortured for three days by the SSS to find out who among them divulged out the information to the PDP.
Mr Afunanya further stated that the report also claimed that they were hurriedly released by the service when their wives threatened to go on public protest.
The spokesperson of the SSS stated that, “The service wishes to state that the information in its totality is false and malicious and should be disregarded by public and be seen as a calculated attempt to dent its image.
“It states categorically that none of such things happened as the office never invited or arrested any INEC staff.
“There is no iota of truth in these allegations and the public is, therefore, enjoined to disregard them. They are simply scheming, misleading, inciting and can only be considered as mischievous and unpatriotic,”.
The PRO further said that the agency was recently honoured by an International Election Observer Group for its neutrality and professionalism it displayed during the general elections.
He assured the public that the service would continue to conduct itself in the manner that had earned it honour. Mr Afunanya warned mischief makers who were bend in propagating fake news to cause break down of law and order to desist from such act otherwise the law will catch up with them.
“The service will not condone or involve in any act that is capable of steering public peace.
(Premiumtimes)