By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Department of State Service (DSS) Clears Kaduna Herder, Awards ₦3 Million as Internal Review Expands Justice for Wrongfully Detained Nigerians.
Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services, has ordered the release of a Kaduna-based herder, Nura Idris, after an internal investigation cleared him of alleged links to Boko Haram terrorists.
A statement by the DSS notes that Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested in June 2024 by another security agency in Suleja, Niger State, and later transferred to DSS custody over suspected terrorist links.
Following a comprehensive review of his case, the DSS found no
evidence connecting him to terrorism. The Director-General immediately ordered his release and approved a ₦3 million compensation package to support his reintegration, with additional assistance promised to help him rebuild his livelihood.
Speaking after his release, Idris expressed gratitude to the DSS, describing the gesture as life-changing and commending the humane treatment he received while in custody.
The release forms part of the DSS’s ongoing review of inherited and prolonged detention cases aimed at ensuring innocent individuals are not unjustly held.
Meanwhile, the Service has reviewed more than 30 cases, paying over ₦300 million in compensation to wrongfully detained persons.
The exercise has also led to the release and compensation of several individuals previously accused of links to IPOB and other terrorist groups after investigations established their innocence.
The DSS says the initiative reflects its commitment to balancing national security with the protection of citizens’ rights while strengthening public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
