An alleged member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, who had been in Department of State Services, DSS detention since July 2022, has been released on the orders of agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
Nwafor, from Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State, was arrested more than two years ago but has now been cleared by a fresh DSS investigation, which found no evidence linking him to IPOB activities.
As part of the release directive, the DSS Director-General approved ₦5 million compensation for Nwafor, along with free medical care to support his recovery after years in custody.
Security sources say the move follows Ajayi’s ongoing comprehensive review of all pending cases inherited by his administration, especially files involving prolonged detention or disputed allegations.
One senior official explained that “The DG ordered investigators to reopen every old case and verify the facts. Nwafor’s case was thoroughly reviewed, and the findings exonerated him. That is why the DG approved his release and compensation.”
The source added that Ajayi is pushing a new culture of accountability, fairness, and correction of past mistakes within the DSS: “The DG believes that when errors occur, the institution must make amends. He is building a system that acknowledges mistakes and remedies them promptly.”
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Nwafor’s release is one of several similar actions taken in recent months. This includes earlier release of three men from Abia State, namely Udemba, Onyedikachi, and Eze after undergoing a similar review.
A Jos-based businessman mistakenly shot during a 2016 operation finally received ₦20 million compensation, double the ₦10 million awarded by the court.
Last month, an Abuja-based businesswoman wrongly accused of illegal oil bunkering received ₦10 million, while five others got a shared ₦10 million.
Security observers, say these decisions reflect a deliberate shift under Ajayi’s leadership, aimed at aligning the DSS more firmly with rule of law, due process, and human rights obligations.
For Nwafor, the decision ends a long, painful chapter, and signals what many hope is a new era of justice-minded leadership within the Service.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
