THE Department of State Servies (DSS) has dismissed one of its operatives who was caught on camera insisting on taking a bribe from a taxi driver carrying election observers in Ekiti State on Saturday.

Peter Afunanya, public relations officer of DSS made this known yesterday in a press statement.

The video of a gun-wielding DSS operative, Jaja Smith was released by Premium Times, showing him telling the taxi driver that he committed a crime. The DSS officer rejected the offer of N900 because it was too small.

In the 2-minutes-15 second video, the DSS operative boasted that he receives a better salary and that he is not a poor man that the driver could be offering a N900 bribe. He asked the diver to instead bring N2000.

“Do you think I’m poor when you committed an offence, you are showing me N900, what will someone do with N900?, ” the DSS operative said.

The incident took place at Oke Ila/New garage roundabout, Ado Ekiti.

The taxi driver was heard pleading with him saying “please sir, please,” but he retorted, “complete it N2000, and let me go.”

The DSS spokesperson said the erring officer has been dismissed.

“The Service condemns, in its entirety, the infamous act of Jaja and informs the public to note that he is no longer a member of this prestigious organisation,” the statement reads.

PRESS RELEASE
DSS DISMISSES STAFF OVER BRIBE TAKING IN EKITI STATE
The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby announces the dismissal of one of its staff, JAJA SMITH OTELEMABA, involved in bribe taking from motorists during the performance of election duties in Ekiti State. Hours ago, a picture of JAJA had surfaced on the Social media wherein he was presented as negotiating with a motorist for financial patronage.
The fact is that when the news broke, the Service initiated a line of investigative actions. These include the search and identification of the said Officer; his withdrawal from the duty post and issuance of a Memo as applicable to his cadre and rank. In line with the Service’s disciplinary procedures, JAJA was tried in an Orderly Room and summarily dismissed. The Service’s staff are already aware how serious it abhors offences against discipline and that it is no respecter of persons and ranks.
JAJA’s instant dismissal is in accordance with the DGSS’ avowed commitment to, among others, promote discipline in the Service. It may be noted that the DGSS’ stance on issues concerning discipline has continued to prove his intolerance for misconduct and discreditable behaviour.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Service condemns, in its entirety, the infamous act of JAJA and informs the public to note that he is no longer a member of this prestigious organization. The Service reaffirms its commitment to professionalism, excellence and the rule of law. The DSS, as usual, rededicates itself to the security of the ongoing electoral exercise and reassures the nation of its sustained transparency and accountability in dealing with citizens.
Peter AFUNANYA
Public Relations Officer,
Department of State Services,
National Headquarters,