DSS frees detainees wrongfully arrested for kidnapping

The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered its personnel to immediately release three suspects who had been in its custody since June 2025 for alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping.

The trio of Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu and Jaja Sarki Bamo were said to have been arrested in error by the secret police operatives after final review of many cases in the agency.

Sources within the DSS told Daily Trust Friday morning that investigations failed to establish any link between the suspects and their alleged crimes, saying compensation of N3m has been made available to the freed suspects.

“After reviewing their cases, it was found out that they were arrested in error. So, they were released. They were not just released, they are paid compensation for the misdemeanour,” the official explained.

It would be recalled that amid raging security threats, the service had in June 2025, intercepted some suspects, who had just returned from the 2025 Hajj exercise at the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, Kwara State on allegations of their involvement in kidnapping and banditry.

Checks showed that this is not the first time the secret police in the recent time would release wrongfully arrested and detained suspects from its custody after reviewing their cases.

Recently, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, announced the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, as the recipient of its Commendation Award for his “unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.”

In the meantime, another official of the agency, who spoke anonymously, the release of the three men and accompanying compensation was part of efforts by the DSS leadership to ensure that justice is served to victims of the agency’s past mistakes.

He said, “Detailed investigations ongoing for months across DSS cases have led to the release of several suspects who were found to be innocent, while those found culpable are facing prosecution.

“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 official described payment of compensation as an established practice under Ajayi’s leadership and expressed confidence in the Agency.

“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?” quizzed another source.

“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.

Expressing gratitude to the DG 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 Ibrahim, even as they prayed for God’s mercy on the DG.

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