DSS Frees Four Suspected IPOB Members, Approves N20m Compensation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released four suspects previously arrested over alleged membership of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with the Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, approving an initial N20 million compensation for them.
Security sources said the four suspects, identified as Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, were arrested in May 2022 in Sampou and Akeddei communities in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.
According to the sources, investigations established that the suspects had been misled into believing they would receive monthly payments of N100,000 under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme.
The sources said they were allegedly lured by a group of IPOB members who are now facing trial.
Following their clearance, the DSS approved an initial compensation of N20 million, with each of the four suspects expected to receive N5 million.
The Service is also expected to provide psychological and medical support to the released suspects, in addition to the compensation.
Counsel to the suspects, Deji Adeyanju of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, commended the DSS for its efforts towards safeguarding national security and upholding human rights.
Adeyanju also praised the professionalism and hygiene standards within the Service, describing the DSS Director-General’s actions as a genuine demonstration of commitment to justice.
One of the released suspects, Emele Uduma Ibe, who spoke on behalf of the others, described the development as the happiest day of his life.
He said the experience had taught him a valuable lesson which he intended to share with others, while expressing gratitude to the DSS leadership.
The latest compensation follows a review of inherited terrorism-related cases ordered by Ajayi after assuming office in 2024.
Security sources said the review initially covered more than 300 cases, with the DSS subsequently reducing the number of suspects held in its facilities to about 100 through investigations and case reviews.
The sources further disclosed that the Service had paid more than N1 billion in compensation in various cases involving suspects cleared of allegations or victims of operational mistakes.
Among previous beneficiaries were a Jos-based businessman, who received N20 million and medical support after being mistakenly shot by DSS personnel in Plateau State; Chineze Ozoadibe, who received N10 million following wrongful arrest; Sunday Ifedi, who was paid N10 million after investigations cleared him of alleged IPOB links; and Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, who received N5 million after being absolved of IPOB allegations.
The DSS Director-General recently acknowledged that the Service, like other institutions, could make mistakes, stressing that such errors must be addressed through remedies and accountability.
“Where we admit our mistakes, we offer compensation, and seek ways to improve operations in tandem with the rule of law,” Ajayi was quoted as saying.
The latest development underscores the DSS leadership’s stated commitment to reviewing cases, addressing wrongful arrests and providing remedies where investigations establish that suspects were wrongly implicated.
