DSS Releases, Compensates Man Wrongfully Detained Over Alleged Boko Haram Links

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released and compensated a Kaduna State farmer, Nura Idris, after an internal review cleared him of allegations linking him to Boko Haram terrorists.

The Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, ordered Idris’ immediate release after a review panel found no evidence to support the allegations against him. The Service also presented him with N3 million to meet his immediate needs and pledged further support to help him rebuild his farming and livestock business.

Idris, a farmer and herder from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested by another security agency in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 over alleged links to terrorists before being transferred to DSS custody.

Following a review of the case, the panel concluded that the allegations were unfounded, leading to his release and compensation.

Speaking after regaining his freedom, Idris thanked the DSS Director-General for the gesture, saying the financial support would help him rebuild his life. His father, Yusuf Idris, also expressed appreciation to the Service and said the compensation would be put to good use.

The DSS said it also provides psychological and medical support to wrongfully detained persons before helping them reintegrate into society through livelihood assistance.

The release is part of an internal review exercise launched last year to reassess prolonged inherited cases and ensure that individuals wrongly detained are freed. According to the Service, the exercise has resulted in the review of more than 30 cases, with over N300 million paid in compensation.

The agency cited previous cases, including the release of Sunday Ifedi, who received N10 million after being cleared of alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as well as the release of several other detainees whose investigations established their innocence.

The DSS said the initiative reflects its commitment to balancing national security with the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity while strengthening public confidence through accountability and institutional reforms.