Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), has authorized the release of Nura Idris after an internal investigation cleared him of suspected involvement with Boko Haram. Idris, a livestock farmer from Kaduna State, had been taken into custody in June 2024 following an arrest by another security branch in Niger State.
Upon reviewing his case, a DSS panel found the accusations against him to be baseless. Consequently, the Director-General ordered his immediate release and granted him N3 million in compensation to assist in his rehabilitation and business recovery. Expressing his relief, Idris thanked the agency for their fair treatment and support during his detention.
This action is part of a broader internal audit launched last year to re-examine long-standing detention cases. The DSS initiative aims to correct past errors, protect individual rights, and maintain institutional integrity. Officials note that this process has resulted in the review of over 30 cases and the distribution of more than N300 million in compensation to those found innocent.
Other notable cases handled under this reform include the release of Sunday Ifedi, who received N10 million after being cleared of IPOB-related charges, and Abuja businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, who also received N10 million. Additionally, individuals such as Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor and Ya’u Mohammed have been released and compensated as part of the Service’s commitment to restoring the livelihoods of wrongfully detained citizens.
