By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Department of State Services (DSS) has awarded N20 million as compensation to Chineze Ozoadibe and five other individuals wrongfully arrested.
This was disclosed by the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
The development has received commendations from Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), and a jurist and visiting Professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.
HURIWA said the latest compensation, the recent judicial victory recorded by the DSS in the suit filed against Prof. Pat Utomi’s bid to float a shadow cabinet, and another against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, were testimonies to the DG’s faith in the rule of law.
On his part, retired Justice Omolaye-Ajileye, lauded the DSS boss for demonstrating leadership, accountability, and respect for human rights, saying they reflect a commitment to transparency and the rule of law.
“The award of N20 million in total compensation to these wrongfully detained individuals showcases Mr Ajayi’s total dedication to rectifying mistakes, building public trust, and upholding justice,” said the retired judge.
“This action sets a positive precedent for other security agencies to follow and underscores the DSS’s commitment to protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens,” noted the retired jurist.
According to HURIWA, “The decision to challenge Professor Pat Utomi’s plan to form a shadow cabinet in court, rather than resorting to unlawful arrest or detention, is a significant step towards entrenching democratic principles.”
In a statement by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA noted that the “DSS’ recourse to judicial interpretation marks a refreshing departure from the long-standing culture of arbitrary clampdowns on dissenting voices.
“By seeking judicial interpretation, the DSS has shown that law enforcement can safeguard internal security while still respecting constitutional freedom,” observed the NGO, adding, “this approach aligns with global best practices in democratic governance.”
On the new DSS culture of compensating persons wrongfully arrested, HURIWA noted, “These actions, the fourth that has become public knowledge, demonstrate that the DSS, under Mr Ajayi, recognizes that mistakes are inevitable in security operations.
“However, what defines professionalism is the courage to admit errors and offer redress. We urge the DSS to codify these reforms into official practice directions so that the principles of compensation, accountability, and respect for due process become entrenched in the Service’s operations,” observed the NGO.
“The DSS has set a standard that others must follow; one where internal security is pursued without trampling on fundamental rights. If sustained, this new culture will enhance professionalism, boost public confidence, and consolidate Nigeria’s democratic values,” the group concluded.
