The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajayi, has ordered the release of 12 Nigerians held in wrongful detention and approved multimillion-naira compensation packages for the victims.
Among the beneficiaries is Abdulyakini Salisu, a quarry operator who was arrested in 2022 along the Zuba–Kaduna expressway over mistaken identity. Salisu, who was wrongly linked to a kidnapping suspect, was exonerated after a fresh review of his case.
Salisu was released on Saturday and awarded N10 million, a formal apology, and lifetime medical care in DSS health facilities.
“This is just the beginning of what he may receive,” a security source said, describing the gesture as a sign of remorse.
The move follows a report by Sahara Reporters highlighting Salisu’s prolonged detention, which prompted a 48-hour case review ordered by the DG.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Saturday’s release is the third batch of such cases since Ajayi took office in August 2024. On July 1, 11 men earlier held over terrorism allegations in Osun State were also released and compensated with several millions of naira.
Also freed was Mohammed Ciroma Jr., a 400-level Computer Science student at Modibbo Adama University, Yola.
The DSS not only confirmed his innocence but also helped reinstate him in school and awarded him a full scholarship.
A DSS insider said officers involved in wrongful detentions are being sanctioned, adding that the Service is undergoing internal reforms aimed at promoting professionalism and accountability.
In a separate 2016 case revisited this year, the DSS paid N20 million in compensation to a Jos-based businessman mistakenly shot by operatives during a pursuit of another suspect.
Ajayi has directed the DSS Public Relations Unit to monitor media reports alleging wrongful detention or abuse and promised quick responses to verified claims.
The reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no Nigerian should suffer arbitrary detention under his administration.
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