DSS nabs Nigerian university student over planned protest

The Department of State Security Services (DSS) has reportedly detained a University of Ibadan student in connection with the upcoming #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

The student, Ikhuemoisa Igaga, a first-year student, was reportedly handed over to the DSS by the university’s security unit.

According to a report by SaharaReporters, Ikhuemoisa is the son of Comrade Mike Igaga, a former Speaker of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, and cousin to the late NANS President, Moses Oisakede.

Sources indicate that the DSS intercepted a phone conversation between Ikhuemoisa and his father during a recent protest at the University of Ibadan regarding electricity issues.

The conversation reportedly included plans for a national protest against hunger.

“The Abuja DSS intercepted the phone call and forwarded it to the Ibadan office to arrest the student. This is happening in a supposed democracy. The first-year student was taken by the university’s Chief Security Officer and handed over to the DSS,” a source informed SaharaReporters.

“DSS is preparing to release him, but he’s currently writing a statement at the university’s security unit. They’ve asked him to return on Monday,” another source revealed.

Earlier this week, SaharaReporters disclosed that the DSS detained and later released several youths in Kaduna and Sokoto states in connection with the nationwide protest. Among them was Aliyu Sanusi, who was arrested in Sokoto State for allegedly distributing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest materials. His release was confirmed by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on his X platform (formerly Twitter).

Additionally, Engineer Khalid Aminu was detained in Kaduna State for allegedly mobilizing support for the protest but was subsequently released. Sowore also shared the news of Khalid’s release.

These incidents highlight the ongoing tension and government response to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement.