DSS reportedly tortures 45-year-old woman to death in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Command of the Department of State Services, DSS, has been accused of torturing a 45-year-old woman, Salamatu Adamu, in its custody to death.

The victim, a mother of two girls and a boy, was engaged in grain grinding business in front of her residence at Tudun Kofa in Lafia.

According to reports, the tragic incident stems from Adamu’s arrest in connection with a kidnapping case.

An unidentified little boy from the area was reportedly abducted, leading to the accusation that Adamu knew the whereabouts of the missing child.

The accuser, believed to be in DSS custody, alleged in a confessional statement that Adamu was seen chasing children who were obstructing her business.

The family of the deceased, through their counsel, Abubakar Abubakar Dogara, and eight others of A. A. Dogara & Co, submitted a complaint letter to the Director General of the DSS at the National Headquarters in Abuja.

The letter, dated November 17, 2023, alleged the unlawful detention, torture, and eventual death of Salamatu Adamu, calling for a thorough investigation and justice.

The husband of the deceased, Mr. Musa Shittu Mohammed, appealed to the DSS Director General for fairness and justice.

The family’s legal representative stated that if justice is not served, they would be compelled to explore legal avenues against the security establishment.

An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Salamatu was forcibly taken by individuals dressed in black, thrown into a vehicle, and subjected to physical abuse. The witness disclosed that she was asked to kneel down while being beaten.

The spokesperson for the DSS in Nasarawa, Mr. Muhammed Musa, declined to comment on the matter, saying he needed permission from the national headquarters.

The national spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, promised to provide information once properly briefed but had not responded by the time of compiling this report.