Nigeria’s secret police detains ex-Lawmaker Aliyu Gebi over alleged false intelligence to foreign embassies

A former member of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Gebi, has been arrested by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) over allegations of supplying false intelligence to foreign embassies in Nigeria.

Sources with knowledge of the development said Gebi was apprehended on April 3 and has since been granted bail, but remains under investigation.

According to security insiders, the former lawmaker allegedly circulated intelligence reports to diplomatic missions which were later deemed inaccurate, triggering anxiety among foreign partners and raising concerns over Nigeria’s security outlook.

One source claimed the report contributed to disruptions in international travel plans, with airlines such as Lufthansa reportedly cancelling scheduled flights to Nigeria, while British Airways was said to have considered similar action.

Further findings indicate that the intelligence may have influenced the recent advisory issued by the United States Department of State, which urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria over security concerns.

The Nigerian government, however, has rejected claims that the country’s security situation warrants such alarm, maintaining that ongoing efforts are yielding progress and urging foreign partners to rely on balanced and updated information.

Sources also disclosed that the alleged report created diplomatic tension, with several embassies initially considering precautionary measures before shelving them following engagements with Nigerian authorities.

Despite being released on bail, Gebi is said to be reporting regularly to the SSS headquarters as investigations continue, with officials indicating he may face prosecution upon conclusion of the probe.

Profile: Who is Aliyu Gebi?

Aliyu Gebi was born on January 17, 1975, in Bauchi State. He served in the House of Representatives after his election in 2011, where he chaired the Committee on Internal Security.

He later worked as Special Adviser at the Ministry of Interior between 2015 and 2023, before taking on a role at the Defence Headquarters as Special Adviser on Non-Kinetic Security Strategies, focusing on peacebuilding, early warning systems, and counter-insurgency coordination.

Credit: Premium Times

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