The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), under the leadership of Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, has commended the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajayi, for taking significant strides to restore public trust and uphold human dignity within Nigeria’s security framework.
RULAAC noted with satisfaction the following reforms initiated by the DSS DG: Release of unlawfully detained persons, including Mr. Abdulyakini Salisu, held since 2022, Compensation paid to victims of wrongful arrests, detentions, and mistaken identity, Issuance of formal apologies to affected individuals, Provision of medical support and rehabilitation for victims and Disciplinary action taken against operatives implicated in human rights violations.
These steps mark a welcome shift away from the entrenched culture of impunity and offer a practical model for institutional accountability and reform.
By contrast, RULAAC expressed concern over the Nigeria Police Force’s continued failure to address similar abuses, most notably, the 2021 illegal detention and abuse of Ms. Glory Okolie by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Despite a Federal High Court ruling awarding ₦60 million in damages and ordering her release, the Police have neither apologised nor implemented corrective measures.
In response, RULAAC called on the Inspector General of Police to Publicly acknowledge and apologize for past and ongoing rights abuses, Comply with judicial rulings, including compensation for victims, Establish a human rights audit committee to identify and address systemic violations, Take disciplinary action against abusive officers and Commit to transparent and accountable leadership, following the DSS example.
“The strength of Nigeria’s democracy depends on whether law enforcement agencies uphold justice or allow impunity to fester,” Nwanguma emphasised. “The DG of the DSS has shown that reform is possible—if there’s the will. The IGP must now demonstrate that the Police can change too.”
