There are fresh reports that Department of State Services (DSS) gave the order to freeze accounts and ban foreign travel of #EndSARS protesters.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) last week suffered a heavy backlash following reports that accounts of #EndSARS protesters were frozen.
However, credible report from The WILL has revealed DSS to be responsible for the restriction based on threats to National Security.
According to The WILL, DSS gathered intelligence that the protest was a ploy to oust President Buhari out of office as many Nigerian youths were being used as tools with or without their knowledge to carry out the treacherous plan.
This informed the decision of Yusuf Magaji, DSS Director-General to advise the Presidency to yield to the demands of #EndSARS protesters following reports that the protests had been infiltrated by unscrupulous elements to force Buhari out of office.
Furthermore, DSS learnt funds were being generated through the accounts of some protesters to sabotage the federal government which led to the restriction of their accounts and foreign travel till investigations are concluded.
A source who spoke to the The WILL on the condition of anonymity disclosed the case was already beyond CBN and NIS as they had no jurisdiction in matters that threaten national security.
“The freezing of the bank accounts of some persons with ties to the EndSARS movement and their inability to travel is beyond the CBN and NIS. They were given direct orders by the Presidency in the name of national security and they must comply with such others.
‘’They cannot even debate such or ask questions over such. It is now beyond them and purely for the Intelligence agencies,” an intelligence source told The WILL.
The source added: “Let me also add that the CBN and the NIS cannot unilaterally lift these blockades, even if they want to. They have no such discretion or powers. It is now way beyond them. I read the CBN went to court to secure an order to give it further legal backing and to probably protect the commercial banks from liabilities but the truth is that they do not even have to do that really.
“The Presidency has sweeping powers under National Security and any person or group that feels their rights have been infringed upon can go to court to seek redress. In most cases, the rulings by the court are based on evidence presented by the government.”
It will be noted that Modupe Odele and Bassey Israel, a Port Harcourt-based pharmacist have already challenged the new development in a court of law.
Modupe known as Moechievous on Twitter was forced to cancel a birthday trip to the Maldives through Dubai after her passport was seized by Immigration officers.
She offered free legal representation to unlawfully detained #EndSARS protesters.
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