Rev. Yoila Yayuba Declined Friendly Invitation Before Arrest by Joint Security Team- DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified circumstances surrounding the arrest of Rev. Bazel Yoila Yayuba, stating that the cleric had earlier declined a friendly invitation extended to him before his eventual arrest by a joint security team.

 

The clarification followed allegations by a retired Bishop of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN), Rev. John Wesley, who accused the Service of carrying out an unprofessional arrest of the cleric at his residence in Jalingo in the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026.

 

In a statement, the DSS said it was necessary to correct what it described as a wrong assertion, stressing that it was not responsible for the initial arrest.

 

According to the Service, Rev. Yayuba had earlier been extended a friendly invitation to interface with security authorities but declined to honour it. It maintained that the eventual arrest was not executed by DSS operatives, but by a team of joint security forces who subsequently handed him over to the Service for investigation in line with its statutory mandate.

 

The agency linked the development to alleged statements made by the cleric during a recent press briefing, which it said contained threats capable of undermining peaceful coexistence in the state.

 

It further referenced a protracted dispute that has lingered for decades and escalated between September 1, 2024 and September 29, 2025, leading to loss of lives in parts of Karim Lamido and Ardo-Kola Local Government Areas.

 

The DSS said upon being handed over, the cleric's wife and legal counsel were invited to witness his interview and documentation of his voluntarily given statement. They were said to have interacted with him and confirmed that due process was followed.

 

Rev. Yayuba has since been charged to court.

 

The Service reiterated its commitment to operating within its constitutional mandate, with strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for citizens' fundamental rights.