Akunyili’s Death: Our Hands Are Clean – DSS

Faced with damning accusation of complicity in the killing of Dr Chike Akunyili, widower of Nigeria’s former Information Minister, Dora, the Department of State Services (DSS) says its hands are clean and there nothing to hide.

Akunyili was killed in Anambra by unknown gunmen on Tuesday, but a social media video has surfaced with claims that the DSS was responsible for the deadly attack that took the medical doctor’s life

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the nation’s Secret Police, its Spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya described the claim that its personnel killed Dr Akunyili as “spurious and illogical”.

The statement by Afunanya said; “The attention of the Service has been drawn to an allegation that its operatives killed Dr Chike Akunyili.

“It was also alleged that the DSS murdered security escorts at Nkpor, in Anambra, on 28th September, 2021.

“The Service hereby denies these allegations and wishes to clearly state that they are spurious and illogical.

“There was no basis for the DSS to kill the medical doctor and/or fellow law enforcement agents. The service cherishes life and believes in the rule of law.

“The public should be wary of the false narratives by those desirous of using it (the Service), to cover up their heinous acts.

“The operations of these hostile elements are already well known in the public space and to the discerning,” he said in disputing claims DSS operatives killed Akunyili.

The DSS spokesman assured that the Service and other sister security agencies would not relent in tracking down those responsible for the breakdown of law and order in order to bring them to justice.

Reports by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said unknown gunmen killed Dr Chike Akunyili at Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra on Tuesday evening.

A family source told NAN that Akunyili was returning from an event organised by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA) where the late Dora was honoured. – NAN reports