In a significant development, the DSS has freed three men wrongly accused of ties to IPOB, ESN, and the killing of Fulani herders.
Augustine Udemba, Nelson Onyedikachi Udemba, and Ifesinachi Eze regained their freedom on Tuesday after prolonged detention.
This decision aligns with ongoing reforms under new DSS Director General Oluwatosin Ajayi, who is reshaping the agency’s operations.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju confirmed the release, praising the DSS for addressing injustices.
He revealed his team is currently handling over 20 similar cases, and he urged faster resolutions for these pending issues.
“Hundreds may still be unlawfully detained,” Adeyanju stated, emphasizing the urgent need for swift government action and justice.
The recently freed individuals have reunited with their families, marking significant progress in the agency’s new direction.
This development reflects a positive change in the approach taken by the DSS towards wrongful detention cases.
Importantly, the DSS now compensates victims of wrongful detention.
For instance, last week, a businessman released after incarceration since 2022 received ₦10 million, showcasing a shift toward acknowledgment and accountability.
Similarly, a Jos trader mistakenly shot by DSS operatives in 2016 received ₦20 million, which is double the court-awarded sum.
Additionally, he now receives lifetime medical care, emphasizing the agency’s increased commitment to accountability in such cases.
These cases highlight Ajayi’s strong commitment to justice and redress for victims of abuse and wrongful detention.
This commitment signals significant progress in the agency’s operations and its approach to addressing past injustices.
Previously, the DSS resisted making such payments and often appealed judgments.
However, under Ajayi’s leadership, this trend has reversed, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the agency’s actions.
His reforms include a thorough review of all credible cases, regardless of their origin.
This approach helps ensure fairness, deliver justice, and maintain improved oversight within the agency, ultimately benefiting the victims.
Consequently, these changes have drawn praise from observers who had long been critical of DSS’s human rights record and practices.
Overall, this shift marks a turning point for the DSS, which now prioritizes rule-of-law compliance and respect for human rights.
Stakeholders hope these measures will restore public trust and set new standards for Nigeria’s security agencies.
As more detainees await review, the DG’s actions could redefine the DSS’s role in upholding justice.
Moving forward, the agency’s willingness to correct past errors signals a culture shift.
With sustained reforms, the DSS may emerge as a model for accountability, balancing security duties with respect for citizens’ rights.
The released detainees’ cases underscore this progress, offering hope for others still seeking justice.
Ultimately, Ajayi’s leadership demonstrates that institutional change is possible. By addressing grievances transparently, the DSS is rebuilding its reputation.
If maintained, these reforms could inspire broader improvements across Nigeria’s law enforcement landscape, ensuring safer and fairer governance for all.