The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has praised the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, for initiating what it calls “a pleasantly surprising and deeply encouraging shift” in the agency’s attitude towards human rights, rule of law, and institutional accountability.
HURIWA, a leading civil society organization known for its vocal criticisms of Nigeria’s security apparatus, expressed its commendation in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko on Monday.
The group said that the DSS under Ajayi’s leadership is taking unprecedented steps to reform its approach to security, particularly through redress for victims of unlawful detention and improved transparency.
“For 18 years, HURIWA has relentlessly called for security agencies to uphold democratic norms, adhere to the rule of law, and respect human rights.
“To now see genuine reforms being implemented at the DSS is not only surprising—it is deeply encouraging. We commend Mr. Ajayi for showing moral courage and administrative foresight” said HURIWA.
The group cited several notable cases that demonstrate the agency’s shift in approach. One of the most significant was the recent release of three young men—Augustine Udemba, Nelson Onyedikachi Udemba, and Ifesinachi Eze—who had been detained without trial on allegations of involvement with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and the Eastern Security Network, as well as for allegedly killing seven herders.
The trio’s release followed an internal review ordered by the DSS Director-General. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju had brought national attention to their plight, describing their detention as unlawful and calling for immediate redress.
HURIWA aligned with this view, emphasizing that their release and subsequent compensation marked a significant departure from the agency’s historic pattern of detaining suspects indefinitely.
“This development gives us hope that Nigeria’s security institutions can evolve,” said Onwubiko. “We are particularly moved by reports that compensation was awarded to the victims. That level of accountability is virtually unheard of in our national security structure.”
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The association also pointed to other examples of progress, including the release and compensation of Abdulyakini Salisu, a businessman wrongly accused of kidnapping and detained for years without trial. Salisu was reportedly awarded ₦10 million in damages after a thorough review of his case by DSS leadership.
Even more striking, according to HURIWA, was the case of a Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by DSS operatives in 2016.
After years of legal wrangling and silence from the security agency, DSS leadership under Ajayi intervened to approve a ₦20 million compensation package for the victim.
“These actions reflect a profound shift,” HURIWA noted. “They suggest that the DSS is becoming a more responsive, accountable institution—one that values justice and the rights of Nigerians. We urge other security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to emulate this example.”
In a further step, HURIWA is calling for the institutionalization of a Human Rights Desk within the DSS, similar to that of the Nigerian Army.
The group argued that such a desk should be set up at the DSS headquarters and replicated in all state commands across the country.
These offices, HURIWA said, should be staffed by trained officers with clear mandates to receive complaints, investigate abuses, and enforce internal accountability measures.
“Establishing a formal Human Rights Desk is a necessary next step,” Onwubiko said. “It ensures that these promising reforms are not limited to the tenure of one DG but become embedded in the structure and culture of the DSS.”
HURIWA further urged civil society organizations, the legal community, and the National Assembly to support these reforms. The group emphasized that long-term progress in the security sector depends on collaboration, legislative backing, and sustained public interest.
“This is not about glorifying any individual. It’s about supporting a shift towards justice, fairness, and constitutionalism,” Onwubiko concluded. “If the DSS continues on this reformist path, it could become a model for how security agencies should function in a democracy and for once, the human rights community can say: progress is possible.
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