SSS grills Datti Baba-Ahmad over alleged inciteful comments

The State Security Service (SSS) has invited the 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, for questioning over alleged incitement against the Nigerian government.

Security sources said Mr Baba-Ahmed was invited on Friday evening over his remarks on media platforms and claims of “constitutional crisis.”

In the interview with Arise Television, Mr Baba-Ahmed reportedly blamed the judiciary and the military for allowing the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He said Nigerian could have prevented the Tinubu/Shettima from being sworn-in as president and vice president.

He alleged that the military made President Tinubu’s administration possible, “which made it possible for them to look you in the face and call you a bloody fool.”

He reportedly said so in reference to the altercation between the Navy officer, Ahmed Yerima, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The SSS said his inflammatory comments carry undertones capable of heightening national tension, particularly given the sensitivity of Nigeria’s current political climate.

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SolaceBase Newspaper reported that a security source said such an invitation aligns with established protocols, especially as his description of efforts to improve the security of the nation as a “joke” could agitate public sentiment and weaken trust in state institutions.

“These sessions are not punitive; they are preventive, focused on clarifying intent, contextualising the remarks, and preventing the emergence of narratives that could unintentionally fuel unrest,” the newspaper quoted the source as saying.

The SSS is yet to officially comment on the invitation and Mr Baba-Ahmed has also not spoken about the invitation.