SSS frees four suspected IPOB members, approves N20m compensation

FILE: Operatives of the SSS

The Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has ordered the release of four suspects arrested over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and approved an initial compensation payment of N20 million, with each of them set to receive N5 million.

Security sources disclosed that the suspects, 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 one source, investigations found that the four men were misled into believing they would each receive a monthly payment of N100,000 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 said.

Receiving the four suspects, Deji Adeyanju, their counsel, commended the SSS for its efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s security, particularly praising the Director-General’s commitment to upholding human rights.

The lawyer also praised what he described as the high standards of professionalism and hygiene within the Service, saying it was the best he had witnessed in more than 20 years of interacting with the secret service agency.

He reiterated his earlier public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Mr Ajayi as SSS Director-General, saying the President made the right choice.

Mr Adeyanju added, “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 latest release and compensation are part of a broader review of inherited terrorism-related cases that Mr Ajayi initiated shortly after assuming office in 2024.

Upon his appointment, the SSS boss ordered a review of more than 300 cases inherited by the administration. A panel set up for the exercise has since facilitated the release of suspects following investigations and helped reduce the number of detainees in the Service’s custody to about 100. The exercise has also involved paying more than N1 billion in compensation, according to security sources.

Among previous beneficiaries was a Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by SSS personnel in Plateau State. Mr Ajayi approved N20 million in compensation and directed that his medical bills be covered.

Chineze Ozoadibe also received N10 million after she was wrongfully arrested, while Sunday Ifedi was paid N10 million after investigations cleared him of alleged links to IPOB. Similarly, Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor received N5 million after investigations absolved him of criminal allegations.

Our source said the SSS has also discreetly released several other suspects, with details not made public.

A security source said the four newly released suspects would receive additional 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 recent rare media interview, Mr Ajayi acknowledged that the SSS, like any human institution, could make mistakes. He promised, however, that the Service would continue to provide remedies whenever its actions result in injury or injustice.

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