The Bauchi State chapter coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Nazif Bashi, has been invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Bauchi State. According to Bashi, he received a phone call from a DSS officer at about 12:44 pm, who later handed the phone to a senior officer. The senior officer demanded that Bashi report to the DSS command office by 2:00 pm the same day. Bashi expressed concerns over the impromptu summons and alleged harassment by the DSS.
Bashi informed the senior officer that he was indisposed due to ill health and was resting, but the officer allegedly accused him of being "stubborn" and continued to pressure him to appear immediately. The officer asked if Bashi could send his deputy or secretary to the command in his place. Bashi explained that due to the short notice, he could not guarantee their availability, but he reached out to his executive council. None of the executive members was available to honour the invitation at such short notice.
Bashi refused to succumb to what he described as intimidation, insisting that any meeting with the security agency should be rescheduled until he is medically fit and could attend with legal representation. He maintained his right to health and safety, refusing to yield to intimidation. Bashi insisted on rescheduling for a time when he is medically fit and accompanied by legal counsel. This development has raised concerns over the alleged actions of the DSS.
The alleged action by the DSS was described by Bashi as "informal pressure and unlawful intimidation". He called on members of the public, human rights organisations, and international observers to take note of the development. Bashi wants the general public, human rights organizations, and international observers to be fully aware of this informal pressure and unlawful intimidation by state security agents in Bauchi.
Bashi emphasized that participation in civic activities should not expose activists to harassment by security agencies. He holds the DSS fully responsible for his safety, personal liberty, and physical well-being. The Take It Back Movement has been involved in civic and political advocacy, including campaigns on governance, human rights, and economic hardship.
The incident has sparked concerns over the relationship between security agencies and civil society organizations in Nigeria. The DSS has been criticized in the past for its handling of human rights cases. At the time of filing this report, efforts to get comments from the DSS on the matter failed, as calls to the same number which Bashi said the DSS called him were not answered.
The case highlights the challenges faced by activists and civil society organizations in Nigeria. The Take It Back Movement has been actively involved in promoting good governance and human rights in the country. The incident will likely be closely monitored by human rights organizations and other stakeholders.
Key points
- The DSS pressured Nazif Bashi to appear at its command office despite his ill health.
- Bashi refused to yield to intimidation and insisted on rescheduling the meeting.
- The incident has sparked concerns over the relationship between security agencies and civil society organizations in Nigeria.
