Human rights activist and social commentator, Israel Joe, was released on Tuesday evening after being detained for several hours by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba, Delta State.
It was gathered that Joe arrived at the DSS office around 12 noon to respond to an invitation from the security agency and was released around 7pm the same day.
Sources familiar with the matter told The Trumpet on Wednesday that the invitation was “unofficial” and that Joe voluntarily presented himself at the DSS office.
Upon arrival, he was reportedly held for hours without any clear explanation for the detention.
The DSS office in Asaba is reportedly handling the matter under the supervision of the agency’s leadership, led by its former spokesperson, Peter Afunanya.
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Attempts to reach Israel Joe for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Efforts to obtain a response from the DSS Director in Delta State, Peter Afunanya, were also unsuccessful.
Details of the interrogation and any allegations against the activist remain unclear.
Joe’s detention comes amid his recent criticisms of the management of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, where he accused the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abel Onunu, of nepotism, manipulation of employment processes, and other irregularities.
