Amnesty demands release or trial of man held by DSS since 2023

Amnesty International has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to either immediately release or arraign Engr. Tahiru Mohammed Salihu in court, alleging that he has been held in custody since February 2023 without access to his family or legal representatives.

In a statement, the human rights organisation alleged that DSS operatives arrested Salihu during a raid on his residence in Kubwa, Abuja, at about 4:30 am on February 4, 2023, and that he has remained in detention since then.

According to Amnesty International, repeated attempts by lawyers representing Salihu’s family to gain access to him or obtain information about his condition have been unsuccessful, leaving his wife and children uncertain about his whereabouts and welfare.

“Holding someone in detention for over three years—regardless of the suspected offence—shows contempt for the rule of law. Such prolonged detention also exposes the suspect to the risk of torture or other ill-treatment,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to uphold constitutional safeguards and international human rights obligations by ensuring that Salihu is granted immediate access to his family and legal counsel.

“The Nigerian authorities must abide by the rule of law at all times. Engr. Tahiru Mohammed Salihu must be provided with prompt access to his family and adequate legal representation, and should either be charged to court or released from detention,” the organisation added.

Amnesty International further stressed that government institutions, particularly security agencies, must operate within the confines of the law and respect due process in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The DSS has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.