The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the release of Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe, an Abuja-based businesswoman wrongfully arrested on suspicion of involvement in illegal oil bunkering.
Newsonspot reports that Mrs. Ozoadibe was awarded ₦10 million compensation, while five other wrongfully arrested persons were also granted a shared compensation of ₦10 million.
According to a credible security source, Mrs. Ozoadibe’s arrest occurred during a raid on an oil bunkering syndicate. However, DSS investigators later discovered that her detention was coincidental. Convinced of her innocence, the DG directed her immediate release and compensation.
The source explained that this reflects the new culture of fairness and accountability under Mr. Ajayi’s leadership. “The release of wrongfully detained persons and awarding them compensation has become a standard practice since he assumed office,” the source said.
Citing an earlier case, the source recalled a Jos-based businessman mistakenly shot by the DSS in 2016. Though a Federal High Court awarded him ₦10 million damages, it was not paid until Mr. Ajayi took over as DG. Instead of the ₦10 million, he doubled it to ₦20 million and also approved free medical care for life for the victim.
The DSS boss has emphasized professionalism, fairness, and due process in all operations, acknowledging that mistakes can occur but insisting that the Service must own up and make amends when they do. To minimize such errors, he has directed the legal department to ensure strict adherence to due process before any arrest is carried out.
