Nigerian intelligence service releases four people and pays compensation

Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), released four individuals in Nigeria who were previously accused of belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The DSS approved an initial payment of N20 million to compensate the four suspects after investigations cleared them of all allegations. The individuals, identified as Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry, and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, were arrested in May 2022 in the Sampou and Akeddei communities of Bayelsa State.

Security sources stated that the men were victims of a recruitment scheme. Members of the proscribed group lured the suspects by falsely claiming they would receive monthly payments of N100,000 through a federal government amnesty program. Ajayi and the DSS aim to provide restitution for individuals cleared of charges following investigations. Since taking office in 2024, Ajayi ordered a review of more than 300 inherited terrorism cases.

The agency has reduced its facility population to about 100 people and paid over one billion naira in compensation to various individuals. The DSS plans to provide psychological and medical support to the four released men to help them reintegrate into society.