DSS Releases Three Wrongfully Detained Men Accused of IPOB/ESN Links, Reviews 20 Other Cases in Ongoing Reforms

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released three men who were wrongfully detained on allegations of involvement with the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The men—Augustine Udemba, Nelson Onyedikachi Udemba, and Ifesinachi Eze—had been accused of participating in the killing of seven Fulani herders. Their release took place on Tuesday and follows a directive under the new leadership of DSS Director General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.

The news was made public by Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who announced the development via his verified social media platforms. Adeyanju confirmed that the three men had been reunited with their families and credited the release to reforms initiated by the DSS DG, aimed at enhancing the agency’s compliance with the rule of law.

Adeyanju noted that more than 20 additional cases involving possible wrongful detention are currently under review. He commended the DSS leadership for its openness to correction and added that his team is working closely with the agency to facilitate further releases and ensure proper judicial procedures are followed. He called on the DSS to accelerate the process, citing the existence of “hundreds of similar cases.”

While there has been no official confirmation regarding compensation for the three men, sources within the DSS indicated that compensation is likely, given the DG’s recent actions. In a related case, a businessman arrested in 2022 on suspicion of kidnapping was recently released and awarded N10 million in compensation. Similarly, a Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by DSS operatives in 2016 received N20 million in compensation and lifetime medical care under the current DG’s directive.

Mr. Ajayi has pledged to continue reviewing all credible claims of wrongful detention, regardless of how the information comes to the service’s attention. His actions so far reflect a broader commitment to transparency, justice, and institutional reform within Nigeria’s security apparatus.