The Department of State Security Service (DSSS) yesterday said it has arrested a lecturer in Arabic and Islamic studies at the Kogi State University, Ayingba, who operates a Boko Haram terror cell in the state. The well-equipped terror cell, from where the university don planned to launch an attack in the state and install sharia law as a form of governance, had well trained instructors, armourer, head of operations, chief courier and foot soldiers, among others.
The suspect holds a Masters degree from the University of Jos and a Ph.D in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the Kogi State University in 2012
Parading the suspects before newsmen in Abuja, SSS Deputy Director, Media and Public Relations, Marylyn Ogar, said the suspect had held several preaching sessions every last Saturday and Sunday of the month at Ethnosho Secondary School, Ojiolo, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State where he had about 80 adherents.
She gave the names of other members of the terror group to include Umar, head of operations/instructor; Mustapha (aka Habib), armourer/Chief courier; Ismaila, a foot soldier and Ibrahim (aka one in town), who is also a foot soldier.
Ogar, further revealed that the suspect held another session every Friday at the Kogi State University mosque, Ayingba where he had about 120 followers, adding that Yunus maintained extensive links with Boko Haram cells in Borno State where he referred some of his followers to for more training.
One of the suspects, Isah told newsmen that he was in company of Umar and Badulazeez on their way to Maiduguri, Borno State for training when they were arrested at a mosque in Zuba, near Abuja.
According to her, “The determination of security forces to rid Nigeria of all acts of terror has continued to yield favourable results as this service uncovered a Boko Haram cell in Kogi State. The group was plotting to launch violent attacks in Igala land.
“Those arrested are Mohammed, the spiritual leader and recruitment coordinator, Umar, head of operations/instructor (Munzir), Mustapha Yusuf, Armourer/ Chief Courier, Ismaila, foot soldier and Ibrahim, foot soldier.”
However, the university don denied being a Boko Haram member when questioned by journalists, but his claim was punctured by Yusuf, and Ibrahimwho insisted that he had been teaching them about Jihad and how to exploit it to instal Sharia in Kogi State.
The suspect, who admitted knowing his co-suspects, however alleged that he was set up for preaching against Boko Haram.
He said: “I don’t have any links to Boko Haram, in fact, I preached against them, that is why they have set me up,” he said.
