SSS confirms arrest of Ganduje’s aide sacked for criticizing Buhari

The State Security Service (SSS) has confirmed the arrest of Salihu Tanko, a former media aide to the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Mr Tanko was arrested hours after calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to check Nigeria’s worsening insecurity or resign. He has also been sacked by Governor Ganduje.

The SSS spokesperson, Peter Afunnaya, in a short statement late Saturday in Abuja said Mr Tanko is in their custody, facing investigation.

“This is to confirm that Salihu Tanko-Yakasai is with the Department of State Services. He is being inbestigates over issues beyond the expression of opinions in the social media as wrongly alleged by sections of the public,” the statement read.

The SSS apparently responded following a campaign on Twitter for Mr Tanko’s release under the hashtag #freedawisu.

Mr Tanko’s father, Tanko Yakassai, said on Saturday morning that his son was arrested and taken to Abuja from Kano.

Mr Yakassai debunked an earlier speculation that his son was kidnapped.

“It was not a kidnap incident. I have confirmation that he was arrested by the SSS,” the elderly politician said.