DSS orders release of IPOB suspect, approves N5m payout for wrongful detention

The Director General of the State Security Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has authorised the release of Kenneth Nwafor, who was taken into custody in July 2022 over allegations of involvement with the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

Nwafor, an indigene of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, was also awarded ₦5 million in compensation following what the agency described as a wrongful arrest.

According to a statement issued by the service, the compensation aligns with the DG’s recent directive that all inherited case files be scrutinised to guarantee due process and ensure speedy justice.

The DG directed his investigation officers to conduct detailed review of all pending cases and they have been dutifully doing that. Nwafor’s case is one of such cases.”

The statement added that the gesture reflects the DG’s commitment to upholding the law and adhering to internal operational standards, noting that three men from Abia — Udemba, Onyedikachi and Eze — who were suspected of having IPOB ties, were also released.

“Nwafor isn’t the first Igbo to be released and compensated under similar circumstances. Some months ago, the DG ordered the release of three young men wrongfully detained for belonging to IPOB.

“Last month, he paid N10 million as compensation to the Abuja-based Igbo businesswoman arrested by a sister security agency for alleged illegal oil bunkering. The DG added N10 million for five others to share… this has become the trend since the new DSS leadership.”