The Department of State Services (DSS) has released four men arrested over suspected links to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and awarded them a total of N20 million in compensation after investigations reportedly cleared them of the allegations.
The four men described their release as the happiest day of their lives after spending approximately four years in DSS custody.
According to reports, the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, ordered their release and approved N5 million compensation for each of them following the conclusion of investigations.
The beneficiaries were identified as Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry.
They were reportedly arrested in May 2022 in Sampou and Akeddei communities in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.
According to Vanguard, a source familiar with the development disclosed that investigations established that the men had been misled into believing they would receive a monthly payment of N100,000 under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme.
The source alleged that they were lured by individuals linked to IPOB, who are currently facing trial.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Emele Uduma Ibe expressed appreciation to the DSS leadership, describing the day of their release as the happiest moment of his life.
He said his experience had taught him important lessons which he intended to share with others, while offering prayers for the DSS Director-General and the management of the agency.
Meanwhile, their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, commended the DSS for its efforts towards national security and respect for human rights.
The law firm particularly praised Ajayi’s approach to human rights issues, describing the level of hygiene and professionalism within the Service as exceptional.
The release is part of a broader review of inherited terrorism-related cases initiated by Ajayi after assuming office in 2024.
The DSS reportedly reviewed more than 300 cases, with the exercise resulting in a reduction in the number of detainees in its facilities to approximately 100 following investigations.
The agency has also reportedly paid more than N1 billion in compensation to individuals cleared of allegations or affected by operational mistakes.
Other beneficiaries include a Jos-based businessman who received N20 million after being mistakenly shot by DSS operatives in Plateau State.
Chineze Ozoadibe reportedly received N10 million following her wrongful arrest, while Sunday Ifedi was also compensated with N10 million after investigations cleared him of alleged links to IPOB.
Similarly, Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor received N5 million after investigations reportedly absolved him of IPOB-related allegations.
A source further disclosed that the four newly released men would receive psychological and medical support, alongside assistance with their reintegration into society.
In a recent media interview, Ajayi acknowledged that the DSS, like every human institution, could make mistakes, stressing the importance of addressing such errors.
He reportedly maintained that whenever the Service acknowledges wrongdoing, it has a responsibility to provide appropriate remedies, including compensation, while improving its operations in accordance with the rule of law.
