DSS Frees Four Men Arrested Over Alleged IPOB Links, To Compensate Them With ₦20m
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
Four men arrested in Bayelsa State over alleged links to the proscribed IPOB have regained their freedom, with the Department of State Services (DSS) approving ₦20 million in compensation after investigations reportedly cleared them of the allegations.
Each of the men is to receive ₦5 million following approval by DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
The beneficiaries, Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, were arrested in May 2022 in Sampou and Akeddei communities in Bayelsa State.
Security sources said investigations found that the men had been misled into believing they would receive ₦100,000 monthly under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme. They were allegedly lured by individuals linked to IPOB, who are now facing trial.
Their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, praised the DSS for the release and compensation, while the Service is expected to provide the men with medical and psychological support to aid their reintegration into society.
The decision comes amid the DSS leadership’s stated commitment to accepting responsibility for operational mistakes and compensating people who suffer wrongful detention or injury.
The development raises an important question about accountability in security operations: when innocent people are wrongly detained, what steps should agencies take to repair the harm?
