SSS releases four suspected IPOB members and approves N20m payment

The Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has ordered the release of four suspects linked to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He also approved a total compensation of N20 million, with each suspect getting N5 million.

Sources in security revealed that the suspects, Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry, and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, were arrested in May 2022. They were taken into custody in Sampou and Akeddei communities located in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.

One source mentioned that investigations showed the four men were misled. They thought they would receive N100,000 every month under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme.

“They did not know they were being lured by a group of IPOB members who are now facing trial,” the source stated.

Deji Adeyanju, the suspects' lawyer, praised the SSS for their work in ensuring Nigeria’s security. He specifically commended the Director-General for his commitment to human rights.

The lawyer also highlighted the professionalism and cleanliness within the Service, saying it was the best he had seen in over 20 years of working with the agency.

He supported President Bola Tinubu’s choice to appoint Mr Ajayi as SSS Director-General, saying the President made a good decision.

Mr Adeyanju said, “These people were recklessly and haphazardly arrested during the Buhari regime. But since this DG came, we have been working with him to release all innocent Nigerians in detention. We have demanded that they should either be released or charged to court. And the DG has been cooperating with us. He agreed with us that it is unfair and unjust to keep people in detention perpetually. We thank him for his respect for human rights and dignity.”

The recent release and compensation are part of a wider review of terrorism-related cases that Mr Ajayi started after taking office in 2024. Upon his appointment, he ordered a review of over 300 cases inherited from the previous administration.

A panel created for this task has helped to release suspects after thorough investigations. It has also reduced the number of detainees in SSS custody to about 100. The panel's work has included paying over N1 billion in compensation, as security sources reported.

Among past beneficiaries was a businessman from Jos, who was mistakenly shot by SSS personnel in Plateau State. Mr Ajayi approved N20 million for him and ordered that his medical bills be taken care of.

Chineze Ozoadibe received N10 million after her wrongful arrest. Sunday Ifedi was also paid N10 million after being cleared of IPOB links. Likewise, Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor got N5 million after he was found innocent of criminal charges.

Our source noted that the SSS has also quietly released other suspects, but details of those cases remain private.

A security source mentioned that the four recently released suspects will get further support beyond the initial compensation.

“Like other suspects who have received compensation, the SSS will also provide these four with psychological and medical support. I am confident that the Service will further assist them in their reintegration into society,” the source said.

In a rare media interview, Mr Ajayi admitted that the SSS, like any organization, can make mistakes. He assured that the Service would keep providing remedies when its actions cause harm or injustice.

“Where we admit our mistakes, we offer compensation and seek ways to improve our operations in line with the rule of law,” he stated.