DSS Produces ‘Dead’ Ekiti Lawmaker

According to reports  TheNationOnline detained member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Afolabi Akanni was yesterday presented to reporters at the headquarters of the Department of State Security (DSS).
Despite the allegations against him, the lawmaker representing Efon-Alaaye, who was rumoured to have died in custody, refused to speak or stand up to be paraded before press photographers. DSS spokesman Abdullahi Garba looked on as the detained lawmaker rejected entreaties to stand up.

He said the lawmaker was being held over very weighty but unspecified security issues. “You may have been aware of the recent situation in Ekiti State in which the DSS was accused of abducting four lawmakers. “The fact is that a lawmaker, Afolabi Akanni , was duly invited by the Service over some serious breaches involving state security and for which he has some explanations to make; these breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate.
“This briefing has become necessary in order to debunk a rumour which is being spread in Ekiti State by some mischief makers to the effect that Akanni  has died in custody. “Nigerians and Ekiti people in particular have seen that Afolabi is hale and hearty as he is being presented to the media.

“The DSS, therefore, warns all those who have planned to make a meat out of this to desist from it and steer clear from trouble as the Service will not hesitate to prosecute anyone or persons who may engage in violent actions of any kind. “In a similar vein, all law-abiding Ekiti residents should go about their businesses as the Service assures them of full protection by security agencies,” Garba stated. Answering reporters’ questions, Garba said he was not in a position to say anything about when Akanni  would be taken to court, adding that investigations are still going on.

Unofficial sources say the lawmaker may need to answer questions bordering on the originality of the school certificate he used during the election and the death of Modupe Karimu, who was said to be involved in an alleged attempt to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The lawmaker, after prolonged prodding by reporters, said: “I slumped yesterday. I’m not dead. I’m alive but I’m sick. I have malaria, I did a test and they gave me a doctor but I don’t know why I am here. ”Although he walked in confidently and was directed to take a back seat before the briefing began, he refused to stand up, until reporters had left the hall.