The Ogun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) believes that the recent arrest of Damilare Bello, a member of the State House of Assembly, by the Department of State Services (DSS) is politically motivated. The party claims that this arrest is an attempt to tarnish Bello’s reputation unjustly. A statement released by the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Akinloye Bankole, expressed these concerns.
Damilare Bello was arrested by the DSS on Wednesday due to his alleged involvement in a recent cult clash in Sagamu, where more than 20 people lost their lives. The DSS claims that Bello provided shelter to the fleeing cultists. A team of security operatives arrested Bello and six others at his residence based on a tip-off. The individuals arrested include Damilare Bello Mohammed (also known as DRE), Debbo Animashaun, Bamidele Saheed, Ismaila Onitire, Adewale Otesanya, and Tobi Owoade.
The PDP acknowledges the need for an investigation into the Sagamu carnage, but they question the professionalism and sincerity of the ongoing investigation. They also highlight the vandalism of Bello’s residence by suspected thugs associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP believes that the APC is responsible for empowering cultists, leading to the tragic events in Sagamu.
The PDP urges the DSS to rise above partisanship and carry out their duties without bias. They emphasize that the DSS, as a security agency created by law, should not be used as a tool for political witch hunts orchestrated by the governor and the APC against their perceived opponents. While the PDP is committed to working with the DSS and other security agencies to maintain peace in Ogun State, they will not stand idly by while innocent members of the public are wrongly targeted.
The PDP calls on the state government to examine its own ranks in Sagamu Local Government to identify the root causes of the violence. They believe that the government should take responsibility for the situation and address any internal issues that may have contributed to the unrest.
