DSS summons Datti Ahmed over alleged inciting comments

The Department of State Services has invited Datti Baba-Ahmed, former running mate to Peter Obi of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election.

The founder of Baze University was called by the DSS over alleged inciting comments coming from him in recent days against Nigerian state.

According to a security source the invitation followed growing concerns about Baba-Ahmed’s sustained remarks across media platforms, particularly his claims of an alleged “constitutional crisis” and criticism of key state institutions.

According to the source, Baba-Ahmed had, in a recent national television appearance, accused both the judiciary and the military of failing to prevent the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He was also quoted as suggesting that the development emboldened some military officers to “look you in the face and call you ‘bloody fools.’”

The source said the DSS became concerned that such comments carried undertones capable of heightening national tension, especially given Nigeria’s delicate political climate.

He noted that similar rhetoric had played a role in the recent Military takeover of Guinea Bissau, and caused mayhem in other unnamed countries.

“I believe the secret police is treating his comments with caution. It has nothing to do with politics, but the corporate existence of our nation could be threatened if such rhetoric is allowed to fester,” the source said.

He added that Baba-Ahmed’s criticism of ongoing security reforms, describing them as “a joke” could undermine public confidence in state institutions if left unaddressed.

Security officials emphasised that the DSS invitation is consistent with standard preventive protocols aimed at clarifying intentions and curbing narratives that may inadvertently provoke unrest.

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