A Bauchi State family has raised serious concerns following the arrest of a middle-aged man by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), an incident they describe as both traumatic and unjustified.
According to relatives, the arrest took place just one day before the man’s daughter was scheduled to be married, compounding the emotional distress experienced by the household.
Family members report that DSS operatives arrived at the residence unannounced and proceeded to detain the man in the presence of his wife, children, and other relatives.
Witnesses allege that the officers masked or blindfolded him before taking him away, an act that left his children visibly shaken and confused.
“What made the situation even more painful was the timing,” a close family member said.
Preparations for the wedding were at their peak, and then this happened without any explanation. The children were terrified.”
The family claims that no warrant was presented at the time of the arrest, nor were any reasons provided for the detention. Since the incident, they say they have made repeated attempts to obtain information regarding his whereabouts and the basis for his arrest, but have received no official communication.
Legal experts note that while security agencies have the authority to carry out arrests in matters concerning national security, due process requires that detainees and their families be informed of the reasons for such actions within a reasonable timeframe.
The absence of this information, they say, raises questions about transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, the sudden development has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory occasion.
Sources indicate that the wedding plans have been disrupted, with the family now grappling with uncertainty and distress.
As of the time of this report, the DSS has not issued an official statement addressing the incident.
The family is calling on relevant authorities and human rights organizations to intervene and ensure that the man’s rights are protected, and that clarity is provided the circumstances surrounding his arrest.