The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of three men arrested in June 2025 over alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping, after investigations found no evidence linking them to the crimes.
The DSS boss also approved the payment of N3 million as compensation to the affected individuals, Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu and Jaja Sarki Bamo — following the findings of an internal review panel which concluded that their arrest was based on erroneous intelligence.
Credible security sources said a thorough investigation conducted by the service revealed that the trio had no connection whatsoever with the criminal activities for which they were detained.
The sources noted that the decision to release them and award compensation underscored the current leadership’s resolve to address procedural lapses and uphold justice.
According to the sources, the DSS has, in recent months, intensified internal reviews of detention cases, leading to the release of suspects found to be innocent, while those with credible links to criminal activities are being prosecuted in line with the law.
One senior security source described Ajayi as a leader who prioritised accountability and fairness.
“The DG DSS is an honourable man who does not hesitate to correct mistakes.
”His insistence on due process and his readiness to revisit cases clearly show his commitment to justice,” the source said.
Another official said compensation for wrongful detention has become a hallmark of Ajayi’s administration, recalling an earlier instance in which the DSS paid compensation to a Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot in the past.
“When the DG approved double compensation for the Jos incident, many people thought it was an isolated case.
”But his actions have shown that this is now a standard practice under his leadership,” the source said.
The official added that the approach would encourage greater diligence among operatives.
“His emphasis on accountability and compassion is commendable.
”Knowing that errors will be acknowledged and corrected will make officers more careful in the discharge of their duties,” the source noted.
Meanwhile, the released men expressed appreciation to the DSS leadership, saying they were treated professionally throughout their detention.
“We were well fed, never abused, and our basic needs were provided for.
”The officers were professional, and we cooperated fully with the investigation until our release,” Umar Ibrahim said, while offering prayers for the DSS Director General.
The three men were among a group intercepted in June 2025 at the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara State, shortly after returning from the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
They were arrested following intelligence reports alleging their involvement in banditry and kidnapping.
