Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday raided the Surulere, Lagos office of DER Publications, arresting its Chairman, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, a long-time ally of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., when about six operatives — some reportedly armed — identified themselves as DSS personnel from the Shangisha office in Lagos. Sources said no warrant was presented before Emenike was taken into custody. He was escorted into waiting vehicles and driven away, with no explanation or documentation provided.

As of Friday morning, the DSS had not issued any official statement on the arrest. The operation’s unusual manner has stirred controversy, with insiders describing it as “high-handed” and raising questions about the motives behind the move.

Emenike, a prominent publisher and businessman, has been active in Nigeria’s media and political space for decades. He was the APC governorship candidate in Abia State during the 2023 elections and played a major role in the 2014–2015 Buhari Campaign Organisation. The family’s ties to Buhari are further cemented by the appointment of his wife, Dr. Uzoma Emenike, as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States in 2021.

Reports indicate that the arrest may be linked to an ongoing dispute over a property on Aso Drive, Abuja. Emenike, who had occupied the property as a tenant since 2014, has argued in court that he had the right of first refusal when the federal government moved to dispose of the asset, previously owned by former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The matter remains pending in court, and the property has since been vacated and sealed.