Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) descended on a house in Abuja belonging to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami on Monday. The sudden raid forced those present to leave, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.
According to sources, the incident unfolded shortly after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar visited the Maitama residence. Atiku reportedly spent about an hour there before departing. An aide to the former Vice-President confirmed the visit, while another witness claimed that DSS officers had already surrounded the house during the meeting but only moved in after Atiku left.
The development comes at a time when opposition figures like Malami are under immense pressure to join the ruling All Progressives Congress. Critics have accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken his opponents ahead of the next election, a claim the president has vehemently denied. Malami has been facing trial for alleged corruption in recent weeks, a case many observers believe may be politically motivated.
The DSS has yet to issue a statement regarding the alleged invasion. Atiku shared photos from his visit to Malami earlier in the day but chose not to comment on the raid.
President Tinubu's administration must clarify the circumstances surrounding the DSS raid on Abubakar Malami's residence. The timing of the raid, which occurred shortly after Atiku's visit, raises serious questions about the motives behind the operation. As Malami faces trial for alleged corruption, the DSS's actions may be perceived as an attempt to intimidate and silence opposition figures. This development has significant implications for the upcoming election, as it may deter other opposition leaders from speaking out against the government. The president's denial of any wrongdoing does little to alleviate concerns about the administration's intentions.
