Ex-Reps aspirant, Uthman denies DSS arrest over alleged N460m Katsina Hajj Forex Fraud

By Yagana Ali Yola 

The former House of Representatives aspirant for the Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency, Ahmed Uthman Muhammad has dismissed reports alleging that he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with an alleged N460 million Katsina State Hajj foreign exchange fraud.

Muhammad, in a statement issued on Tuesday, described the reports circulating in some media outlets as false, misleading and politically motivated.

The politician was reacting to claims that he had been arrested and detained by security operatives over the alleged fraud scandal involving Hajj forex transactions.

He clarified that he was neither arrested by the DSS nor placed under investigation by the agency, stressing that he was only invited by the police for questioning over what he described as a personal matter.

According to him, after honouring the invitation, he was cleared and released the same day.

“I was never in DSS custody and I am not under investigation by the DSS,” Muhammad stated.

“I was only invited by the police for questioning regarding a personal matter, and after the interaction, I was cleared and released on the same day.”

He alleged that the reports linking him to the alleged fraud were deliberately fabricated by political opponents and individuals seeking to tarnish his image and damage his political career.

“I want to draw the attention of the general public to understand that the reports circulating are false information deliberately fabricated against me because of politics and other selfish interests aimed at destroying my reputation and career,” he added.

Muhammad further assured his supporters, associates and members of the public that he remains safe and unhindered in his daily activities.

He said he is currently with his family and friends and continues to go about his normal business activities without any restriction.

“There is no cause for alarm. I am safe, free and carrying on with my normal activities as usual,” he said.