‘I’m Not A Criminal They Are In Offices And Corridors Of Power’ – Baba-Ahmed Recounts DSS Invitation

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Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, has described his recent encounter with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) as a “mild Nollywood drama.”

Gossip News Now reports that Baba-Ahmed’s invitation by the DSS followed concerns over his public comments about the judiciary and the presidency.

During a television interview, Baba-Ahmed had criticised the judiciary and the military for facilitating the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

An insider in the security services said, “He even went as far as suggesting that it was President Tinubu’s swearing-in that gave the military the audacity to confront citizens, calling them ‘bloody fools.’ His statements carry undertones that could heighten national tension, especially given Nigeria’s sensitive political climate. This is not merely politics; the corporate existence of our nation could be threatened if such rhetoric is left unchecked.”

Reflecting on his encounter with the DSS, Baba-Ahmed, who is also the founder and chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, told Punch that he voluntarily honoured the agency’s request out of curiosity, insisting he is not a criminal.

He also clarified that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had no involvement, stating the anti-graft agency had no reason to summon him.

“The EFCC did not invite me, and it is highly unlikely they will,” Baba-Ahmed said. “However, there was a mild Nollywood drama with the DSS on November 28, 2025, which lasted two hours and fifteen minutes. I walked into their national headquarters, wondering why they were looking for me. I’m not a criminal; the criminals are in your offices and corridors of power.

“But I went in, asking them, ‘What do you want?’ I came out feeling deeply sorry for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If these are the leaders we have, I understand why international forces sometimes intervene in counter-terrorism efforts on our behalf.

“Yes, a Nollywood drama unfolded. They pleaded with me, saying this government is very weak, and the way I was challenging them could ‘crash’ it. But these are what we call paper tigers.”

Baba-Ahmed dismissed any attempts at intimidation and urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear, stressing that democratic accountability must not be silenced.

He added, “The wind is blowing, and they’re trying to scare people. Do not be afraid. Trust in God, believe in yourselves, and know that they will amount to nothing.”