DSS, Police, Deny Inviting Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Other Musicians For Questioning Allegedly Over Political Statements
Department of State Security and the Lagos State Police Command have denied inviting music executive, Don Jazzy or any other entertainer for questioning.
Earlier today, a report went viral stating that the DSS and the Lagos State Police Command invited some popular celebrities concerning political statements they made on social media.
Some of the celebrities which include Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade and Waje were reportedly quizzed two weeks ago by the law enforcement agencies.
The report stated that singers Yemi Alade and Waje were quizzed by Zubairu Muazu who is said to be the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
Muazu is said to have warned the singers to steer clear of political comments so as to avoid the anger of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
However, in an update, ThePunch reports that DSS spokesman, Peter Afunnaya, in an interview who refuted the report, saying, “We didn’t invite any musician.”
The publication also reached out to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, for further comments about the alleged invitation of the celebrities by the Lagos State Police Command.
Elkana said that Zubairu Muazu, who is said to have invited the singers, “ceased being CP more than 10 months ago.”
He stated;
The present CP is Hakeem Odumosu, who came in November last year. Zubairu Muazu has even retired from service; he retired as an AIG.
When asked to confirm if the celebrities were invited by the Lagos State Police Command, Elkana said, “I’m not aware of any invitation.”
In the same vein, a source who works closely with the artists while speaking with PulseNG denied reports that they were invited for questioning.
The source recalled that a couple of months ago, in the thick of the Black Lives Matter protests in the world, Nigeria was also facing similar issues of human rights abuses, killings and rape.
It stressed;
The DSS invited the artists to enlighten some of them on their efforts and roles in the society. The DSS only invited the artists over as a collaborative move or gesture
It was more along the lines of ‘let us work together seeing as you guys have these huge social media following and platforms.
It was a similar meeting the artists had with the police boss. It was not an interrogation meeting or a meeting held to gag them at gun point. It was a partnership meeting held in an atmosphere of conviviality and one devoid of antagonism. That news report is not correct. Kindly disregard it.
Similarly, another music label boss who is an associate of Don Jazzy and Savage said that around the time of the incessant rape incidents in Port Harcourt, Edo, Oyo and Lagos, there was a meeting between the musicians and security operatives.
According to the source, the meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere, stressing that there were no threats at all or even a mention of President Buhari’s name.
