THE Department of State Services (DSS) has released three men who were wrongfully arrested and detained for alleged involvement in kidnapping and banditry, following an internal review that cleared them of any wrongdoing.
News Point Nigeria reports that the detainees; Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu, and Jaja Sarki Bamo — had been in DSS custody since June 2025 after operatives intercepted them at the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, shortly after their return from the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
They were accused of having links to kidnapping and banditry, allegations that have now been found to be erroneous.
A senior DSS official, who spoke to this newspaper on Friday, confirmed that the suspects were released immediately after the agency concluded its latest case reviews, which showed no evidence connecting them to the alleged crimes. The source added that the trio received ₦3 million in compensation as part of the service’s efforts to acknowledge and correct the error.
“After reviewing their cases, it was found that they were arrested in error. So, they were released. They were not just released, they were paid compensation for the misdemeanour,” the official said.
The DSS has in recent months embarked on a systematic audit of ongoing and past investigations, a process that has led to the release of several suspects wrongly detained. Those found culpable, officials said, are being prosecuted accordingly.
Another official, who also requested anonymity, described the ongoing reforms as part of the leadership style of the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, who has emphasised accountability, due process, and redress for victims of institutional mistakes.
“The DG DSS is an honourable man who acknowledges errors and rectifies them swiftly. He ensures that due process is followed and the right thing is done. This is why he continues to review cases under the agency’s jurisdiction,” the official explained.
Citing past instances, the official noted that the payment of compensation has become an established practice under Ajayi’s leadership, recalling a case in which a Jos-based businessman who was erroneously shot years earlier received double compensation as restitution.
Another DSS source praised Ajayi’s reforms as a model deserving wider study across security institutions:
“His approach to accountability and humanity should be studied. I am confident that, with the payment of such compensation, officers will be more vigilant in their operations.”
Meanwhile, the freed suspects expressed gratitude to the DSS leadership for their eventual vindication and humane treatment during detention.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ibrahim said they were treated decently throughout their stay in custody.
“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 until we were finally released,” he said.
The development comes weeks after the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria honoured the DSS Director-General with a Commendation Award for his commitment to press freedom and respect for media organisations.