Founder of the Citadel Global Community Church and former presidential aspirant, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari denied any knowledge of the Department of State Services’ (DSS) raid on the Ibadan residence of Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
Bakare made the disclosure during a recent media interview, recounting a private conversation he had with the former president during his time in office. He said Buhari was reportedly shocked when confronted with questions regarding the July 1, 2021 operation, which resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and the arrest of several others.
“When I asked him about the raid on Sunday Igboho’s house, he looked genuinely surprised. He said, ‘I did not order it. I know nothing about it,’” Bakare stated.
The DSS had raided Igboho’s Soka residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, claiming it was a preventive action against plans to incite unrest in the country. The midnight operation triggered national outrage and raised concerns over human rights violations and the use of force against political activists.
Following the incident, the DSS declared Igboho wanted. He was later arrested in July 2021 by authorities in the Benin Republic while attempting to travel to Germany, sparking diplomatic tensions and wide public debate.
Bakare’s revelation has stirred fresh debate about the autonomy of Nigeria’s security agencies and the extent of executive oversight during Buhari’s administration. It has also reignited discussions about the legality and accountability of the controversial operation.
Neither the DSS nor the presidency has issued a response to Bakare’s claims as of the time of this report.
Sunday Igboho, a leading figure in the Yoruba Nation self-determination movement, had organized several rallies prior to the raid, advocating for the secession of the Yoruba region from Nigeria due to perceived marginalization.
