Alleged Banditry: DSS DG Releases 3 Wrongfully Detained Suspects

Awards N3m compensation

The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has directed the immediate release of Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu, and Jaja Sarki Bamo, who were arrested in June 2025 for their alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping.

The DG also approved that N3 million be paid as compensation to them after their cases were reviewed by a DSS panel and found to have been arrested in error.

Credible security sources disclosed that investigations failed to establish any link between the suspects and their alleged crimes.

The source noted that the release of the three men and the accompanying compensation were part of efforts by the DSS leadership to ensure that justice is served to the victims of the agency’s past mistakes.

It is worth noting that detailed investigations, which have been 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.

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

He said, “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?

“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.”

While speaking to journalists after their release, the suspects expressed their appreciation to the DSS DG for the intervention and compensation, noting that they had been treated humanely throughout their detention.

One of them, Ibrahim, said, “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.”