Nigerian gospel singer Johnson Ankeli Shaibu has raised an alarm over the continued detention of his elder brother, Ngbende Muhammed Shaibu, by the Department of State Services (DSS). Johnson claims that his brother has been held in custody for over six months without any formal charges or just cause.
Speaking to the press in Abuja on Tuesday, Johnson recounted the harrowing events of January 31, 2024, when masked men stormed their family home in the Gwako area of Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The men, later identified as DSS operatives, arrested Ngbende along with their nephew, Friday Audu.
Johnson shared that Audu was shot in the leg during the raid after panicking and attempting to flee. Audu was held for two months before being released, confirming the involvement of the DSS. However, Ngbende remains in detention, and the family has been denied any contact with him since his arrest.
"Since January 31, we have not seen my brother or heard from him. We don’t even know if he’s still alive," Johnson lamented. "If he has done anything wrong, the law says he should be taken to court. We just want to know what’s happening to him."
Johnson’s concerns were echoed by Ifeanyichukwu Nweze, a lawyer who urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
"The government must step in and assist this family," Nweze stated. "If Ngbende has committed a crime, he should be brought to court. If he’s no longer alive, the family deserves to know."
Nweze also called for internal reforms within the DSS, emphasizing the importance of the agency in national security.
"The DSS is a critical institution, but it appears that some operatives might be misusing their power for personal gain. This needs to be addressed."
Attempts to reach Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
