The Progressive Alliance for Justice, Unity and Democracy (PAJUD) has questioned the credibility and motives of former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Musa Daura, following reports that he made comments suggesting he possesses information about President Bola Tinubu.
The organisation described the reported comments as unnecessary and unhelpful to public discourse, urging Daura to demonstrate accountability by addressing controversies surrounding his tenure as head of the DSS.
In a press statement signed by its Country Representative, Comrade Yakubu Dan Abba, PAJUD recalled several incidents during Daura’s leadership, including the reported invasion of judges’ residences in Abuja and Rivers State, the disruption of activities at the National Assembly and the alleged invasion of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
The group also raised concerns over the detention of journalists, politicians and other individuals during his tenure, including journalist Jones Abiri, former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, Nnamdi Kanu and Omoyele Sowore.
PAJUD further criticised the DSS under Daura for alleged interference in the activities of other government institutions and anti-corruption agencies, as well as the handling of security challenges during his time in office.
The organisation expressed concern over the growing cases of banditry and kidnapping in parts of northern Nigeria during the period, arguing that the authorities should examine the intelligence and security responses to the activities of notorious armed groups.
It also called on Nigerian security agencies and their international counterparts to revisit allegations surrounding ransom payments and prisoner exchanges involving Boko Haram during Daura’s tenure.
According to PAJUD, some published reports had raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the release of abducted Chibok schoolgirls and Dapchi schoolgirls, as well as alleged financial transactions connected to negotiations with the insurgents.
The group specifically urged relevant authorities to investigate allegations concerning a purported offshore account linked to the former DSS chief and claims that part of the ransom proceeds may have been diverted.
PAJUD stressed that the allegations required independent, thorough and transparent investigation rather than being treated as established facts.
The organisation also questioned Daura’s reported political associations, suggesting that his recent comments about President Tinubu could be viewed against the background of his political interests.
It maintained that public officials who occupied sensitive national security positions should be prepared to account for their decisions, actions and omissions while in office.
PAJUD said it would work with patriotic Nigerians, security agencies and international partners to pursue accountability over alleged intelligence failures, human rights violations and security challenges associated with Daura’s tenure.
The organisation emphasised that its position was driven by the need to strengthen accountability, uphold the rule of law and address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
