Afolabi Akanni, the Ekiti state assembly lawmaker whom the state government claimed had died in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), has been produced to journalists by the service.
TheCable confirmed that he is alive, but weak, apparently from ill-health.
TheCable saw a frail man at the DSS headquarters and asked him, “Are you Afolabi Akanni?”
He said: “Yes”.
Advertisement
Akanni, at present, is taking a nap at a desk at the conference room of the DSS.
He could barely carry himself, and his eyes were red and shadowy.
Speaking to journalists, Abdullahi Garba of the DSS, said that Akanni was arrested for some serious breaches bordering on state security.
Advertisement
“You may have been aware of the recent situation in Ekiti state in which the DSS was accused of abducting the state assembly legislators,” he said.
“The fact is that one of the members of the assembly Hon Akanni Afolabi was duly invited by the service over some serious breaches bordering on state security, and for which he has some explanations to make. These breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate.
“This press conference has become necessary in order to debunk a rumour which is being dangerously spread in Ekiti state by some mischief makers to the effect that Afolabi has died in custody. Nigerians and Ekiti people in particular are convinced to see that Afolabi is hale and hearty as he is being presented to the press today.”
When asked why Akanni was still in custody despite an order of a court for his release, Garba said: “We didn’t get the court order.”
Advertisement
Akanni walked with strenuous effort as he was led back into DSS custody.
