We only granted Fani-Kayode bail, investigation continues – DSS

Department of State Services (DSS), yesterday, disclosed what transpired between its operatives and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode on Monday. The secret agency had invited Fani-Kayode for interrogation over an allegation of coup against the government.

Fani-Kayode, a spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, was quizzed over his claims that some presidential candidates, alongside some generals, were plotting to scuttle this year’s elections and carry out a coup against the government.

DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, in a statement, said investigation into claims by the former minister would continue. He said: “The DSS, hereby, informs the public that it invited Chief Femi Fani-Kayode to its national headquarters, Abuja, on February, 13, 2023.

“The invitation was in respect of an investigation of some of his allegations and insinuations relating to issues relevant to national security.

“Chief Fani-Kayode faced a panel, which interviewed him on the subject matter. Afterwards, the Service granted him administrative bail and directed that he make routine returns to the office, with effect from February 15, 2023, till otherwise.”

He added: “The investigation, however, continues. Meanwhile, political parties and their media managers are advised to apply restraint in their utterances and public communication engagements, prior to and after the general elections.

“This is to avoid heating up the polity and evoking tendencies that could lead to violent reactions as well as undermine peace and order.”

This came as an aide to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, called on Femi Fani-Kayode to apologise for alleging a coup plot. Special Assistant, Public Communication to Atiku, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, said to ensure Fani-Kayode “is truly remorseful of his self-confessed lie” that Atiku Abubakar met with army generals, with the aim of executing a coup, he should tender an unreserved public apology to the former vice president.

After his release, Fani-Kayode, at a press conference, said he regretted making the comments and would guard his statements in the future. But Shaibu said the regret was not enough without a public apology issued to Atiku and the military.

He said: “Fani-Kayode’s regret is a step in the right direction, but this is not sufficient. Who exactly is he apologising to? He needs to be specific. He needs to apologise to Waziri Atiku Abubakar for trying to impugn his character. He also needs to apologise to the military for denigrating that revered institution.

“Fani-Kayode is a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with over two million followers across social media platforms. He is a lawyer and ought to understand the implication of libel. Apart from the criminal aspect of his tweets, he has also committed defamation and thus must be made to apologise for his inane insinuations.”