The Department of State Security (DSS) has released Usman Bugaje after he was arrested for criticising President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of the nation’s security situation.
It was gathered that Bugaje, a politician and scholar, was arrested by the secret police after appearing on AIT.
Recall that the politician added his voice to growing concerns amongst Nigerians about insecurity. He had previously condemned Buhari’s failure to tackle the economy, as well as his sectional appointments.
Sources close to Bugaje said he reported at the SSS headquarters in Abuja at about 10 a.m. on Wednesday, based on the invitation.
Bugaje, who in 2016 turned down the Buhari administration’s ambassadorial appointment offer, was interrogated in custody for eight hours, the sources said.
The scholar, who is the convener of Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP), left the SSS premises at about 7 p.m. after he was granted bail by the secret police on Wednesday.
“Dr Bugaje had featured twice on an interview programme of the AIT two weeks ago. After his appearances on the television, he received an invitation from the SSS, asking him to report at its office to provide further clarifications on the comments he made on the programmes.
“Today (Wednesday) at 10a.m, he (Mr Bugaje) reported at the SSS in Abuja and he was detained,” a source said.
Mr Bugaje, a notable Northern politician who had served in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government, had in 2016 turned down Buhari’s ambassadorial nomination offer.
He had premised his rejection on the desire to nurture a development blueprint for Northern Nigeria called, “Arewa Research and Development Project.”
Mr Bugaje had said on his Facebook page: “Regarding the published nomination for an ambassadorial posting, I have not spoken to the press and may not do so anytime soon.
“I thank those who think me fit for the job, but I have so much in my hands already, especially the Arewa Research and Development Project, which is the only broad platform in the north driving development.
“I have weighed the options and have decided to remain home and continue the struggle for development and good governance.”
