Rights group writes DSS, seeks arrest of Twitter handler for threatening PEPT chairman, Justice Tsammani

Samuel Luka, bauchi

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The Nigerian Department of State Security Service (DSS) has been called upon to arrest a Twitter handler bearing Twitter account handle “Harry of Milan @SantaChidi,”

In an opened letter to the Director General, DSS through the Bauchi state command of the Service, the rights organization expressed great concerned that a certain individual, going by the Twitter account handle “Harry of Milan @SantaChidi,” engaged in a disturbing act of online harassment and intimidation against the jurist.

“On the evening of August 8, 2023, at approximately 19:54 PM, this individual posted a photograph of Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani alongside his two grandchildren on his Twitter account”, Mbami Iliya Sabka, an Undercover Human Rights Investigator and
Executive Director, Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA) said in the letter yesterday.

Dated 9th August, 2023, the letter said that the disturbing post was accompanied by a deeply concerning message, which reads thus: “Hello Justice Haruna Tsammani! I know people will say this is blackmail or Whitemail or LGTV Mail, I don’t give a flying hoot”.

“This is to let you and every judge on the PEPT Panel know that if you get compromised, lemme reserve my thoughts”, the letter further quoted the twitter handler as saying.

According to the rights organization, the twitter handler further said, “DON’T LET DEVIL USE YOU AGAINST YOURSELF cos the implosion go loud”.

Titled, RE: Complaint and Demand Against Harry Of Milan @SANTACHIDI Santachidi Twitter Account For Cyber Terrorism, Harassment, Intimidation and Attempt to Cause Breach of Peace Nationwide Against Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani and Family, COFAA described the act as a public intimidation.

“This act of public intimidation and veiled threats against a respected member of the bench is not only unsettling but also poses a potential threat to the peace and security of our nation”, the rights organization said.

“We, the Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA), write to bring to your attention a grave matter that threatens the peace, security, and reputation of one of our esteemed judicial officers, Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, and his family. We trust in your commitment to upholding justice and maintaining the tranquility of our nation”, the letter reads in parts.

The letter asserted that Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani who is known for his impartiality and dedication to the rule of law, holds the esteemed position of Chairman of the Presidential Election Panel Tribunal (PEPT), adding that his rights, as well as those of his family, must be safeguarded in the same manner as any other Nigerian citizen.

COFAA demanded that the DSS wades into the matter immediately by arresting the individual and initiate a thorough investigation to unravel the motive behind the threatening post.

“We also advocate for a thorough legal process that will lead to the appropriate punishment for the perpetrator. This is essential not only to seek justice for Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani and his family and other justices in the PEPT but also to send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated in our society”, the rights group said.

While describing the action of the twitter handler as akin to cyber terrorism, COFAA expressed firmed believe that the DSS will take swift and decisive action to address this matter.