SSS' Conduct is a Disgrace to Democracy - Justice Nnamdi Dimgba

The men of the State Secret Service also known as the Department of State Security attracted the wrath of Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday after failing to produce an accused person in court.

The judge criticized the SSS for flouting an order of the court to remand a defendant in prison.


Mr. Dimgba had ordered that a retired Air Commodore, Umar Mohammed, who was arraigned before him on Thursday, be remanded in Kuje Prison pending the hearing of his bail application. But the SSS failed to produce him in court on Friday while his counsel argued his bail application.


Mr. Dimgba said he took strong exception to the service’s disregard of the court’s order by keeping the defendant in its custody, describing it as an embarrassment to democracy, according to Premium Times.

“I take a strong exception to this type of behaviour; when the court orders that someone be kept in prison custody, the person ought to be kept in prison and not in the office. “If the people at the DSS want to become judge and do their job as well, I am ready to vacate my office for them, but as long as I am still here, I take an exception to them flouting the orders of the court.

“Once processes have been filed in court, it is no longer in their hands and the order of the court must be obeyed," Dimgba added.

He asked the prosecuting counsel, E.A Orji, to convey the grievances of the court to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. The judge adjourned ruling on the bail application until 2 p.m.

The current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has been heavily accused of abusing human rights and flouting court orders as it pursues its anti-corruption agenda.