DSS Releases Three Detainees Wrongfully Accused of Belonging to IPOB/ESN

*20 other cases under review

By: Our Reporter

The Department of State Services on Tuesday released three persons detained on the suspicion of belonging to the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), and it’s militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), and involvement in the killing of seven Fulani cattle herders.

The Service is also reviewing more than 20 cases of persons believed to have been wrongfully detained, as a key part of the reforms being initiated by the new Director General of the secret police, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.

The disclosure was made Tuesday night by Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Deji Adeyanju via his verified social media handles.

Adeyanju said the trio of Augustine Udemba, Nelson Onyedikachi Udemba, and Ifesinachi Eze, who were arrested and wrongfully detained on the allegation of involvement in IPOB/ESN activities and killing of seven herders, were released yesterday (Tuesday),” stressing, “they have been reunited with their families.”

The lawyer described the release as part of the ongoing reforms by the new DSS boss to reposition the the Service and make it rule of law- compliant, including reviewing the cases of those in custody, charging to court where required, and releasing those wrongfully detained.

He stated, “We are currently working on more than 20 cases with the service and thank the DG of the DSS for his commitment to ensuring the right thing is done,” adding, “we are aware that there are hundreds of Nigerians with similar issues, and we are further appealing to the DG for a speedy process in the ongoing reforms.”

While the lawyer did not state if compensation was or would be paid the released detainees, security sources hinted that, going by the DG’s habit of paying compensation to wrongfully detained persons, it was most likely the trio would be compensated.

Just last week, the DSS DG directed that a businessman who owns a quarry on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway arrested by the Service since 2022 on the suspicion of kidnapping, be released and paid N10 million as compensation. It was reported that he might get more from the DG.

Another outstanding case was that of the payment of N20 million compensation to a Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot in the leg by DSS operatives in 2016. Even after it was established by the DSS that the man was shot in error, and a court awarded the victim N10 million as damages, two DSS bosses refused to pay the victim. Instead, they appealed the judgement.
In May, the new DSS boss not only paid the businessman the N10 million awarded by the court, he added another N10 million and free lifetime medical services for the victim.

The DG has promised to speedily review the case of wrongfully detained persons in the DSS custody brought to his notice, saying he wouldn’t mind the source of the information so long as it yields results.

DSS Releases Three Detainees Wrongfully Accused of Belonging to IPOB/ESN

Tuggar Congratulates Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON Win, Praises Their Resilience

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons following their historic 10th triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In a statement issued shortly after the team’s victory, Tuggar lauded the Falcons for their resilience, discipline, and unyielding spirit, describing them as “true ambassadors of Nigerian excellence on the global stage.”

The Minister said: “The Super Falcons have once again shown what it means to represent Nigeria with pride and purpose. Their determination, unity, and consistency reflect the values we hold dear as a nation.”

He further commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support for sports development in Nigeria, as well as Mr. Shehu Dikko, and the leadership and management of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their strategic guidance and commitment to excellence in women’s football.

“This victory is the result of purposeful leadership, sound management, and the unshakable spirit of Nigerian athletes. I congratulate President Tinubu, Mr. Shehu Dikko, and the entire NFF family for creating the enabling environment for this triumph,” he added.

Tuggar also noted that the team’s success not only brings immense pride to Nigeria but also serves as an inspiration to young girls across Africa, proving that excellence knows no gender.

He however reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s soft power through sports diplomacy and international representation.

“Their victory is not only a sporting achievement but a diplomatic symbol of Nigeria’s strength, unity, and global presence,” he stated.

Their hard-fought 3–2 victory over Morocco in the final further cements their status as Africa’s most decorated and successful women’s football team.

Tuggar Congratulates Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON Win, Praises Their Resilience

Teenager butchered in suspected ritual killing in Ogun, one arrested

By: Zagazola Makama

A 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, has been gruesomely murdered in Igbile area of Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State in what authorities suspect to be a ritual killing.

Zagazola learnt that the boy, who had been declared missing for several days, was confirmed dead after his decomposing body was discovered on July 23 along Old Express Road in Igbile.

His father, Lawal Olumide, of No. 28 Jagerin Street, Ijebu-Ode, said he received the tragic news after efforts to locate his son proved abortive. Wahab had reportedly been staying with his grandmother before he went missing.

Security operatives who visited the scene confirmed that the boy’s corpse was mutilated his head, both wrists, heart, and private parts were removed, in what is believed to be a ritual-related killing.

Following an intensive investigation, one suspect, Salawu Omikansola, aged 25, was arrested in connection with the murder. He was apprehended alongside a man identified as Serefusi Agemo and others whose identities are being withheld to aid the ongoing investigation.

Authorities disclosed that confessional statements were obtained from the suspects, with video evidence recorded. The case file and associated exhibits will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other accomplices in the heinous crime.

Teenager butchered in suspected ritual killing in Ogun, one arrested