“I’m Sorry for Leaking Official Matters,” Ex-DSS Officer Begs DG, Colleagues, Threatens to Sue SaharaReporters
By: Zagazola Makama
A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and an association of retired DSS officers over the publication of an internal matter on an online news platform.
Ezeakolam, in a letter dated Sept. 22, 2026, expressed regret over his decision to take an internal issue to the media, describing the action as a serious error of judgment.
He appealed to the DSS director-general to forgive him and resolve the matter internally, insisting that he never intended to cause harm or embarrassment to the agency’s leadership.
“I write this letter with deep regret and humility, to apologise for my decision to escalate and publish an internal matter on an online media space. I acknowledge that making such publication was a serious error in judgment and I regret the consequences,” he wrote.
The retired officer said he recognised the sensitive nature of internal security matters and acknowledged that such issues should not have been made public.
“It was never my intention to cause any harm to your esteemed self or the exalted office of the DGSS; or to expose you to legal difficulties. I recognise that internal matters are sensitive in nature and should not have been made available publicly,” he stated.
Ezeakolam further apologised for any harm or embarrassment his actions might have caused the DSS leadership, adding that the incident had taught him an important lesson.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Federal Government of Nigeria, saying he had neither participated in nor intended to participate in activities inimical to the country’s security.
“My allegiance is and will remain wholly to the Federal Government of Nigeria as a retired officer. I have never participated and will never participate in any act that is inimical to the security of this nation,” he said.
He pleaded with the director-general to temper justice with mercy and settle the matter internally.
In a separate development, Ezeakolam, through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, principal partner of Lawminds Associates, has demanded a retraction of a SaharaReporters publication dated June 29, 2026, which he said contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims.
The letter, dated Oct. 16, 2026, expressed concern over what the law firm described as statements that denigrated the office of the DSS director-general and ARODSSON.
The lawyers acknowledged the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability but stressed the need for responsible journalism, factual accuracy, fairness and the right of individuals to respond to reports that could damage their reputations.
“While we recognise the fundamental role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and public discourse, we also emphasise the importance of responsible journalism, factual accuracy, fairness, and the right of individuals to respond to publications that may adversely affect their reputation,” the letter stated.
The law firm asked SaharaReporters to publish Ezeakolam’s official response to the allegations contained in the June 29 report.
It also demanded the correction and retraction of any claims found to be inaccurate, misleading or unsupported by verifiable evidence.
The lawyers gave the platform seven days from receipt of the letter to respond, warning that failure to comply could lead to further legal action.
“Should your newspaper fail to respond appropriately within seven days from the receipt of this letter, we reserve the right to consider further lawful steps available to address the matter,” the lawyers stated.
The dispute centres on the publication of an internal matter involving the DSS leadership and the subsequent demand for a retraction.
SaharaReporters’ response to the demand was not included in the correspondence provided.
