Department of State Services (DSS) has detained Chairman, Kano State Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Gen. Idris Dambazau (rtd), over alleged economic sabotage.
The Guardian learnt Dambazau, a close associate of Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was picked up by the agency in the early hours of yesterday and has since remained in custody, undergoing interrogation.
A source revealed the retired General is being held over the recent closure of seven fuel stations in Kano, an action allegedly taken without recourse to due process.
The source claimed the action was not only illegal but also beyond the purview of the CPC. He also said Dambazau frustrated efforts to reopen the facilities.
“His actions were nothing but economic sabotage and attempt to create fuel scarcity in Kano where there was none. Section 48 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly states any ministry, department or agency exercising any power or function or taking any action, which may have direct impact on midstream or downstream petroleum operations shall consult with authority,” the source said.
Reacting, CPC spokesperson, Musbauden Aminu, said he was not competent to speak on the development. He, however, disclosed that the whereabouts of the chairman was unknown.
He said efforts to reach Dambazau, since the news broke, were unsuccessful, even though his telephone line was not switched off.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Kano State chapter, Bashir Danmallam, did not deny knowledge of the closure of members’ fuel stations.He, however, told The Guardian that the association did not instigate the arrest.
