Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services has invited and interrogated the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, over recent allegations of fraud levelled against him.
A source from the DSS who craved anonymity told PUNCH that the invitation and subsequent interrogation were a result of the allegations levelled against him.
The source added that the interrogation took place at the Ogun State Command Headquarters of the DSS, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Friday, at 6:55 pm.
Talabi was reportedly grilled for five hours on Friday but was released afterwards on self-recognition.
Talabi’s alleged involvement with Superflux Printing Limited, located on Acme Road, Ikeja, Lagos State, has in recent times come under close scrutiny.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, had submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Code of Conduct Bureau, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, demanding a thorough investigation into the link between the Independent National Electoral Commission and a printing company believed to be owned by Talabi during the last elections.
But the source said the agency grilled the SSG on a petition lodged by Talabi himself on the allegations.
The source further said the DSS state command initiated the inquiry to ascertain the veracity of some allegations against Talabi on ballot papers printing among others.
The source further said that among the issues addressed during the questioning was his alleged role of Superflux Printing Limited in the Covid-19 palliative controversy.
The DSS was also said to have asked Talabi questions on the company’s connection to significant sums of money related to Ogun State and its role in the 2023 elections.
It was gathered that the allegations raised concerns about the potential impact on the credibility of the upcoming elections.
The source, however, assured the general public of the command’s commitment to a thorough and meticulous investigation.
He said the agency seeks to unravel the complex web of allegations surrounding Talabi and his association with Superflux Printing Limited.
The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Ogun State and its governance.
Several attempts to get in touch with Talabi proved abortive as he had not responded to several calls put to his mobile line.
He had also not responded to the text message sent to him on his invitation by the DSS.
