DSS arrests, releases Bello’s aide over alleged plot to attack ex-naval chief

The Department of State Security Services (DSS) at the weekend reportedly took into custody the Chief of Staff to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, over alleged plot to attack a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (rtd).

However, he denied that he was arrested, saying it was fake news.

His suspected arrest and detention followed a tip-off of an impending attack on Usman by mercenaries identified as ex-Niger Delta militants.

Preliminary confessional statements obtained from the apprehended gang members allegedly fingered Onoja as mastermind of the planned attack.

Onoja, who was said to have been detained on Friday till the early hours of Saturday, was however released after the intervention of his boss, The Guardian gathered.

A source close to the retired naval chief said the plot was still at infancy when two of the militants were rounded up by DSS officials.