The Department of State Services (DSS) has come under intense public scrutiny and widespread condemnation following the commissioning of a religious complex named the “President Tinubu Centre for Islamic Studies” in Kaduna State.
The controversial centre, which was unveiled during a live broadcast by Africa Independent Television (AIT), is reportedly constructed by the DSS. The development has triggered outrage among Nigerians, with many questioning the legality, neutrality, and constitutional boundaries of the secret service’s involvement in religious affairs.
Sultan of Sokoto: Centre Will Promote Unity
During the opening ceremony, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, applauded the initiative, stating that the Islamic centre would promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding in the country.
“This is not just a place of learning. It is a place of nation-building, where the teachings of Islam will be used to foster peace and harmony among Nigerians,” the Sultan remarked.
Despite the Sultan’s remarks, Nigerians from various religious and political backgrounds have taken to social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), to strongly criticise the move.
Public Outcry: DSS Now an ‘Islamic Organisation’?
Several users expressed disbelief and frustration, alleging that the DSS, which is constitutionally tasked with internal security, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism, has now deviated into religious sponsorship.
“So DSS didn’t see a robotics centre or a counterterrorism research facility to build, but constructed a religious centre in the name of a sitting president? What happened to neutrality?” — one user tweeted.
Another comment that gained traction read:
“By this action, the DSS has been infiltrated by an Islamic agenda. Why only a centre for Islamic studies? Let them also build centres for Christianity, Traditional Religion, and others if this is about unity.”
A legal analyst responding anonymously said the DSS might have violated the Nigerian Constitution’s secular status by sponsoring or associating with religious institutions in any capacity.
Accusations of Bias and Religious Partiality
Many Nigerians fear that the agency’s involvement in constructing an Islamic studies centre—named after the current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu—sends a dangerous signal of institutional bias. Critics believe the DSS is increasingly perceived as partisan, both politically and religiously.
“This is an agency funded by taxpayers of all faiths, not a mosque-building NGO. Nigeria is a secular state; this is outright unconstitutional,” another user posted.
The situation has reignited conversations about the proper role of security agencies, and the need for them to remain religiously neutral to preserve public trust.
Presidency, DSS Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the Presidency has issued an official statement clarifying the agency’s role in the construction and ownership of the Kaduna-based centre.
The backlash continues to grow, with several civil society organisations calling for a probe into the funding, planning, and execution of the religious centre. Many have demanded that the DSS build similar centres for other religions if it insists on pursuing such community engagements.
Video evidence of the event, shared by Nigeria Stories on X, shows the unveiling and speeches delivered at the ceremony:
Watch here
BREAKING : DSS builds President Tinubu Centre for Islamic Studies in Kaduna pic.twitter.com/6eGihTqdvO
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) May 25, 2025
