DSS Cautions Sheikh Gumi over Comments On Tukur Mamu

The Nigeria Secret Police otherwise known as the Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned Kaduna-based cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over his “overzealous” comments on the arrest and investigation of Tukur Mamu who is being detained over security matters.

At the weekend, Sheikh Gumi, had urged the secret service agency to either release Mr Mamu or charge him to court, claiming that the suspect was arrested for assisting families of Kaduna train hostages to secure the release of their loved ones from kidnappers.

Mr Mamu was arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano after his arrival from Cairo, Egypt to answer some “critical questions” over “some security matters.”

In a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson Peter Afunanya, the DSS said, “The Department of State Services (DSS) has followed, with keen observation, overzealous comments by sections of the public in view of issues relating to the arrest and investigation of Tukur Mamu.

“The Service wishes that it is not distracted with some of the skewed narratives pervading the media space. Instead, it requests to be left alone to concentrate on the ongoing investigations, the outcomes of which have remained mind-boggling.

“Meanwhile, the Service will cease further comments on the subject matter since the court will determine its course. Consequently, the public is hereby enjoined to desist from making unguarded utterances and await the court proceedings.”

Mr. Mamu, the publisher of Desert Herald newspaper, was Kaduna bound train hostage negotiator, and chief of staff to Sheikh Gumi.

He was arrested in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday on his way to Saudi Arabia and deported to Nigeria on Wednesday.

Mr. Mamu came to the limelight after ISWAP terrorists launched an attack on a train in Kaduna, killing nine persons, injuring 28 others, and kidnapping 63 passengers on March 28, 2022. Two passengers were released some days after the attack.

The publisher facilitated the release of 11 passengers on June 11.

He later said he pulled out of the negotiation between the terrorists and security agencies, over the latter’s alleged insincerity.

However, even after his withdrawal from the negotiation, Mamu continued to play backend roles, which included negotiating ransom on behalf of the hostages’ families and hosting the freed passengers in his office before reuniting them with their families.