DSS Denies Arrest Of Cleric Over Facebook Post On False Herdsmen Invasion

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied involvement in the arrest of Evangelist Ukpo Daniel for allegedly raising a false alarm of Fulani herders invading the crusade ground in a viral video.

Ukpo had raised the alarm on a Facebook post that the bandits invaded a church crusade ground in Nasarawa State and was subsequently arrested by the Police.

The DSS described the Facebook post, which claimed that the Service arrested Evangelist Ukpo Daniel for “raising a false alarm in a video”, as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service clarified that the DSS never invited nor arrested the Evangelist.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted, with dismay, a false and misleading Facebook Post alleging that it arrested Evangelist Ukpo Daniel for raising a false alarm in a video claiming that Fulani herdsmen attacked a crusade in Agboda Village, Nasarawa State.

“This claim is incorrect and appears intended to cast the Service in a bad light as well as to stir public tension.

“For clarity, Evangelist Ukpo Daniel was never invited nor arrested by the DSS. His spouse, Elizabeth, who originated the post, confirmed when contacted that she was with him at the Police Headquarters in Lafia. Therefore, the Service views such misrepresentations as potentially inflaming tension or disrupting ongoing operations, seriously.”

The DSS consequently advised the public to rely on verified information and communication channels to counter the spread of disinformation that may be exploited to further compromise national security.