Human rights body, Amnesty International has berated the Department of State Services over the invasion of the Abuja office of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre

The PUNCH reported that the DSS invaded CISLAC on Monday, December 27, 2021, without prior notice, an invitation or a pending request from the DSS before its office was invaded.

CISLAC’s Executive Director, Malam Auwal Musa, confirmed the invasion in a statement titled, ‘Intimidation and profiling of civil society groups during Yuletide’, which was addressed to DSS DG, Ibrahim Bichi.

Reacting, Amnesty International expressed shock at the DSS’ behaviour, stating that it is against the rule of law.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned over the invasion of the office of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) by DSS operatives.

“It is shocking that a law enforcement agency acted without respect for the rule of law. This is yet another sign of Nigerian authorities’ escalating clampdown on civil society organisations.

“We condemn this brazen attempt by the DSS to intimidate CISLAC, which has consistently exposed corruption and demanded accountability.

“Nigerian authorities must end this dangerous trend of using agencies like the DSS to silence its critics and target human rights defenders,” Amnesty said.