DIA Didn’t Declare Olawunmi Wanted, DHQ Clarifies

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted the allegation that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) had ordered the arrest of retired Cdr. Kunle Olawunmi, for recently appearing on Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily.
The Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr, dismissed the allegation in a statement in Abuja.
Sawyerr described the report by an online medium as scandalous and a malicious publication insinuating that the DIA had ordered the arrest of Olawunmi, for sharing his views on matters of defence and national security.
According to him, it was gratifying to state that the retired military officer, who is on the military reserve list, was only invited via SMS and voice by DIA.
He said the invitation was to ask him to further furnish the agency with relevant and pressing security information he might be privy to as a Professor of Global Security Studies.
“The said proposed meeting between the DIA and the retired senior Navy officer was intended to get credible tips on how to boost the fight against terrorism/insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes.
“He was not asked to come along with his passport. This did not in any way constitute any form of arrest as speculated by Sahara Reporters.
“It is very sad that an online medium like Sahara Reporters would capitalise on a proposed meeting between an agency and its stakeholder to paint the story in a manner intended to portray the military as a draconic government agency acting in a crude manner,” he said.
The defence spokesperson said as a professional entity, the armed forces would continue to be responsive to all credible information that would promote peace and unity of the country.