DSS Frees Man Wrongfully Accused of Boko Haram Ties, Pays N3m Compensation

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the release of a Kaduna-based farmer and livestock rearer, Nura Idris, after an internal investigation cleared him of alleged links to Boko Haram terrorists.

The Service also approved an immediate payment of N3 million to Idris to support his reintegration, with additional assistance promised to help him rebuild his livelihood.

According to security sources, Idris, a resident of Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 by another security agency over suspected terrorist links before he was transferred to DSS custody.

However, following a comprehensive review of his case by a DSS investigation panel, authorities found no evidence connecting him to Boko Haram activities, prompting the Director-General to order his immediate release and compensation.

Receiving the financial support, Idris expressed gratitude to the DSS leadership, describing the gesture as an opportunity to rebuild his life.

“I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” a security source quoted him as saying.

His father, Yusuf Idris, who received him upon his release, also thanked the DSS for what he described as compassion and generosity, assuring that the compensation would be used productively.

Security sources disclosed that the Service also intends to provide follow-up support, including psychological and medical care, as well as assistance to establish a business of the victim’s choice.

The release forms part of an internal review exercise initiated by the DSS last year to reassess inherited and prolonged detention cases, with the aim of ensuring that innocent individuals are not kept in custody unnecessarily.

According to the sources, the initiative has resulted in the review of more than 30 cases, with over N300 million reportedly paid in compensation to individuals found to have been wrongfully detained.

The latest case follows a series of similar actions under the current DSS leadership.

Among them was the release of Sunday Ifedi, who had been arrested alongside his wife, Calista, on November 8, 2021, over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ifedi was freed on December 16, 2025, after a review cleared him of wrongdoing, and was awarded N10 million in compensation.

Security sources said the DSS is also planning to rebuild a restaurant in memory of Ifedi’s late wife, who died while in custody, as part of efforts to compensate the family.

The Service had earlier released Abuja-based businesswoman, Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe, with N10 million compensation in October 2025, while Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, arrested in July 2022 over alleged IPOB activities, was also freed after being cleared.

Five other detainees linked to the same investigation were released and each received an initial N2 million compensation package.

Last month, the DSS also released Yobe State resident Ya’u Mohammed after investigations established that he had no connection with terrorism. He was provided with N2 million in financial support to facilitate his reintegration.

Security sources maintained that the ongoing review process reflects the Service’s commitment to balancing national security with the protection of citizens’ rights and restoring public confidence through corrective measures where wrongful detentions have occurred.