The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed—founder of Baze University and former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate—for questioning over comments authorities consider potentially inciting against the Nigerian State.
Sources told security analyst Zagazola Makama that concerns have been mounting over Baba-Ahmed’s recent public statements, particularly his repeated claims of an ongoing “constitutional crisis” in Nigeria.
One source noted that the former lawmaker recently appeared on national television, where he criticized the judiciary and military for allowing the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“A few days ago, Baba-Ahmed was on national television blaming the judiciary and the military for allowing the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima,” the source said. “He even went as far as alleging that the inauguration emboldened the military to ‘look you in the face and call you bloody fools.’”
According to the source, the DSS considers his comments sensitive and potentially capable of heightening political tension, especially given Nigeria’s current climate.
He added that similar rhetoric has contributed to instability in countries such as Guinea-Bissau and other West African states, prompting security agencies to approach the matter cautiously.
“I believe the secret police is treating his comments with caution. It has nothing to do with politics, but the corporate existence of our nation could be threatened if such rhetoric is allowed to fester,” he said.
He further described the DSS invitation as preventive rather than punitive.
“These sessions are not punitive; they are preventive—focused on clarifying intent, contextualizing the remarks, and preventing the emergence of narratives that could unintentionally fuel unrest,” the source explained.
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