The Department of State Services (DSS) has released four men detained since May 2022 over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), approving ₦20 million in compensation after investigations cleared them of wrongdoing.
The beneficiaries, identified as Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, are expected to receive ₦5 million each.
The men were arrested in Sampou and Akeddei communities in Bayelsa State’s Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas.
According to security sources, investigations established that the four had been misled by individuals allegedly connected to IPOB, who promised them monthly payments of ₦100,000 under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme.
The individuals accused of misleading them are reportedly facing trial.
The release followed a review of terrorism-related cases initiated by DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi after assuming office in 2024.
Security sources disclosed that Ajayi ordered the reassessment of more than 300 inherited cases to identify detainees who might have been wrongly implicated.
The exercise reportedly reduced the number of persons held in DSS facilities to approximately 100, following investigations and the release of individuals cleared of allegations.
The agency has also reportedly paid more than ₦1 billion in compensation for wrongful arrests and operational mistakes.
Reacting to the development, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, legal representatives of the freed men, commended the DSS for reviewing the cases and addressing the alleged injustice.
The lawyers praised Ajayi’s approach to human rights protection, describing his leadership as an improvement in the agency’s handling of suspects.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ibe expressed relief over their release, describing the occasion as the happiest day of his life.
He said his detention had taught him lessons he intended to share with others.
A security source further disclosed that the four men would receive psychological and medical support alongside their financial compensation.
The development follows other reported compensation payments involving individuals cleared after DSS investigations.
A Jos-based businessman mistakenly shot by DSS operatives reportedly received ₦20 million, with the agency also covering his medical expenses.
Similarly, Chineze Ozoadibe and Sunday Ifedi reportedly received ₦10 million each following wrongful arrests.
Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor was also awarded ₦5 million after being cleared of allegations linking him to IPOB.
Ajayi recently acknowledged that security agencies could make mistakes, stressing the importance of accountability and corrective action.
“Where we admit our mistakes, we offer compensation and seek ways to improve operations in tandem with the rule of law,” he said.
The latest releases form part of the DSS leadership’s reported efforts to review detention cases while balancing national security responsibilities with the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Ezeana Emmanuel
