The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of three individuals arrested in June 2025 over allegations of involvement in banditry and kidnapping.
In a move described as part of the Service’s commitment to accountability, the DG also approved the payment of ₦3 million as compensation to the trio identified as Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu, and Jaja Sarki Bamo.
Credible security sources revealed to The Authority Newspaper that a detailed review by a DSS panel found that the three men were arrested in error, as investigations spanning several months failed to establish any link between the suspects and the alleged crimes.
The compensation and release, noted the source, form part of efforts by the DSS leadership to ensure justice for victims of the agency’s mistakes and reinforce diligence among its operatives.
One source close to the Service lauded the DG’s approach: “The DG DSS is a honorable man who acknowledges errors and rectifies them swiftly. He attempts to ensure due process is followed to ensure the right thing is done. This is why he has sustained efforts in reviewing cases under the agency’s jurisdiction.”
Another source noted that payment of compensation has become an established practice under Ajayi’s tenure, citing previous cases where wrongfully detained persons were compensated, including a businessman who was paid double the compensation awarded by a court.
“When the DG DSS paid double compensation to the Jos based businessman who was erroneously shot many years ago, who knew he would continue compensating other victims?
“His approach to accountability and humanity should be studied. I am confident that, with the payment of such compensation, officers of the agency will be more vigilant to ensure they take the right actions, ” he added.
The three men were originally intercepted in June 2025 at the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, Kwara State, upon their return from the Hajj exercise, as part of the agency’s proactive measures against rising security threats.
Expressing gratitude following their release, the suspects confirmed they were treated humanely throughout their detention period.
“We were properly fed and we were not abused in any way. The officers ensured that our needs were met and we cooperated throughout the investigation till we were finally released,” remarked Umar Ibrahim.
The continued review of cases under the DSS’s jurisdiction has led to the release of several other suspects found to be innocent, while those found culpable are currently facing prosecution.
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