The Department of State Security Service (DSS) says it has the power to seize the passport of any Nigerian, and has accordingly filed an appeal against Thursday’s ruling by a court compelling it to return the passport of sidelined Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
Spokesperson Marilyn Ogar expressed the disappointment and dissatisfaction of the department with the ruling of Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Sanusi’s application for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.
In addition, the judge also ordered the Federal Government to tender a public apology to Sanusi and to pay to him N50m in damages.
Ms. Ogar however argued that DSS had acted in accordance with the law, citing Section 3(2) (b) of Instrument SSS No. 1 of 1999 made pursuant to Section 6 of the National Security Agencies (NSA) Act.
“The State Security Service is hereby empowered to impound and keep in its custody the passports or any other property of persons or organizations under investigation if considered appropriate by the Director General,” she quoted. “Returns of all such seizures shall be rendered to the National Security Adviser, while such passports shall be returned to the Owners as soon as the investigation is concluded”.
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