House of Rep Orders Release of National Youth Council Leader From DSS’ Custody

The House of Representatives has ordered the release of Mr. Ugochinyere Michael, President of Nigerian Youth Council from the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, following allegations that he is being held without charges filed against him.

Following the motion brought before the House by Goodluck Opiah, PDP, Imo, under matters of urgent and public importance, it directed DSS to make the offences allegedly committed by Mr Michael public and either charge him to court or release him immediately.

The lawmaker believes the arrest was unwarranted and came about as a result of Ugochinyere’s support for embattled Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki on his ongoing trial with CCT which he expressed in a television interview.

“The House is worried that he has been harassed and intimidated for supporting the Senate President and taking the Minister of Youth and Sport to court in protection of his office as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria. “Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the freedom of opinion of all Nigerians, including Mr. Ugochinyere Michael. “Section 35 further guarantees the right to personal liberty of Mr. Ugochinyere and we are worried that he has been held for more than 48 hours by the men of the DSS,” Opiah said.

Source: Vanguard