Patrick Kelechi, Lagos

 

DAILY COURIER – The Department of State Services (DSS) has commenced probe into alleged unprofessional conduct by its operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos State.

The probe, followed an allegation by an Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, that operatives of the agency begged passengers for money at the airport.

Olajengbesi, in a Facebook post, said, “It is actually an embarrassment to the entire nation to have DSS officers vetting people coming into the country at the Lagos airport, begging for money.

“One can forgive Immigration and Customs officers because this is simply customary, but that a very important agency like the DSS is shocking.”

Reacting to the development in a statement, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said, “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to the allegation by one Pelumi Olajengbesi that the Service’s personnel at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, engage in unprofessional conduct of sorts.

“Consequently, the Service has launched a full investigation into the matter.”

It further “invites Olajengbesi and indeed any member of the public with evidence in this regard to come forward to the Service with such for appropriate action(s).”