The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of three men arrested in June 2025 over alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping.
The individuals—Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu, and Jaja Sarki Bamo—were taken into custody in June but were later freed after DSS operatives reviewed their cases and found them not guilty of the accusations.
The DSS chief also approved the payment of ₦3 million as compensation to the men, acknowledging that they were wrongly detained.
According to reports, investigations failed to establish any connection between the suspects and the alleged crimes.
Their release and the prompt payment of compensation reflect efforts by the DSS leadership to correct past errors and ensure justice for those affected.
Recall that many wrongly detained suspects have since been released by the new DSS leadership, while those found culpable are facing prosecution in various courts.
A top official with knowledge in security establishments said, “The DG, DSS, is an honourable 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 described payment of compensation as an established practice under Ajayi’s leadership and expressed confidence in the agency.
Expressing gratitude to the DG of DSS, the suspects revealed that they were humanely treated throughout their stay.
“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.
“It could also be recalled that in July 2025, one Abdulyakini Salisu, a quarry operator arrested in 2022 along the Zuba-Kaduna expressway, was freed after a review revealed he was wrongly identified.
“Salisu was awarded N10 million in compensation and granted lifetime access to medical care at the DSS facility.
“Back in May, the DSS also paid N20 million to a Sokoto-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by its operatives during a 2016 operation in Jos, Plateau State.”
