News
Again, DSS DG Shows Commitment to human rights, Releases 12 other suspects Pays compensation
Two months after paying N20 million as compensation to a Jos-based businessman mistakenly shot during a 2016 operation, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajayi, on Saturday demonstrated his respect for human rights. He released a suspect who had been in the custody of the secret police since 2022, bringing to 12 the number of suspects released in July alone.
After ordering the release of Abdulyakini Salisu, the Service tendered an apology to him. On his part, the DG directed the Service to pay him N10 million as “initial compensation” and further support. The initial compensation, security sources hinted, was an indication that Salisu may get more.
The compensation, sources quoted the the DG as saying, was a gesture of remorse by the DSS to the victim, who, before his arrest, operated a stone quarry on the Zuba- Kaduna expressway.
Salisu, like a former detainee released by the DG, is to enjoy free medical services at the DSS hospital for as long as he wishes, the DG directed.
The sources disclosed to OBSERVERS TIMES that Salisu is the third celebrated case of several suspects set free by the secret police since Ajayi assumed office.
According to the sources, on July 1, the DSS boss ordered the payment of an undisclosed amount running into several millions of Naira as compensation to 11 persons arrested in Osun state on terrorism – related charges.
According to OBSERVERS TIMES, Mohammed Adamu, Adamu Abubakar, Mohammed Bindi, and Baba Kura Mallam, were among the 11 persons set free on July 1, 2024, and compensated by the DSS boss.
The sources further disclosed that the DG has ordered that all officers involved in the embarrassing arrests of the released suspects, face disciplinary action.
Another source also confirmed to OBSERVERS TIMES that the case of Mohammed Ciroma Jr., a 400 Level Computer Science student at Modibbo Adama University, Yola. After reviewing his case, disclosed the source, the DG ordered the Service to assist in the student’s reinstatement to his school, with a promise to grant him full scholarship to be funded by the Service.
OBSERVERS TIMES Recall that before the release of the 11 artisans in Osun state, added the source, the DSS boss ordered the Service to pay N20 million to one Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by DSS operatives on the trail of a notorious gunrunner The victim and the gunrunner bore similar names.
“When the committee set up by the DG drew his attention to the case of the artisans and the Jos- based businessman, among many other cases, he ordered the committee to expedite action on their cases. This led to the quick resolution of their cases from among the several cases before the committee,’ offered a top DSS officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
“The DG gave a clear directive that he wouldn’t mind the source of any information bordering on the plight of persons who were unjustly detained by the Service.
“In fact, he ordered his public relations department to update him on reports – no matter the source – on persons who may have been unjustly detained or unfairly treated by the DSS.
“When officers drew the DG’s attention to a report on Salisu by Sahara Reporters, he immediately ordered the committee to confirm if Salisu’s matter was among the several cases being investigated, and give him a detailed report within 48 hours.
“Upon realizing via the report that Salisu’s case was that of a mistaken identity of a man linked to kidnapping, the DG immediately ordered his release and, typically, initially compensated him with N10 million,” said the source,” adding, “given the DG’s disposition to upholding justice, I know the man will likely get more.”
Recall that, upon assuming office in August 2024, Ajayi promised to reform the DSS to make it more covert and efficient while demonstrating utmost respect for human rights.
To match word with action, he set up a committee to review the cases of all the suspects he inherited as DG, stopped operatives from publicly totting guns, maintaining that security services need not be at the expense of human rights.
“The DG would always tell his officers that he is committed to President Bola Tinubu’s charge that, under his administration, no citizen is made to suffer any human rights abuse.
“It is noteworthy that the DSS DG has not claimed that there were no abuses in the past. Of course, during operations, security agencies the world over, including the All mighty United States, make mistakes.
“What Tosin Ajayi has done is to say, ‘Hey! We are fallible because we are humans.’ But, whenever we realize our mistakes, we shall be man enough to own up, apologize, and where possible, pay compensation,” declared the source.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams Abang, has died at a hospital in Abuja.
Williams reportedly died suddenly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment.
His death was announced on Sunday by his brother, Nkang William, who expressed shock over the sudden loss.
The deceased was described by family members and associates as a dedicated public servant whose death had left a significant void.
A former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, Pius Kejuo Osang, said he was still struggling to understand the development.
Late Abang
“I don’t understand, I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.
Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, also described Williams as “a dedicated public servant and a good man.”
He said Ikom Local Government Area had lost a committed public servant, adding that Williams’ life of service, humility and impact would remain in the memories of those he touched.
The commissioner’s death has thrown Cross River’s political and public service circles into mourning, with condolences pouring in for his family, colleagues and associates.
The Board Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, has identified the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the governments of the nine Niger Delta states as development partners in building a sustainable regional investment ecosystem.
Addressing newsmen at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt, Ogan reaffirmed NDCCITMA’s commitment to successfully hosting the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from September 15 to 17 in the Rivers State capital.
The NDCCITMA Chairman said the Summit was a strategic, private-sector-led platform to mobilise investment and unlock the Niger Delta region’s economic potential, anchored on the theme: “Driving Investment, Innovation and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta.”
He stated: “Our vision is to bring together the nine Niger Delta states, the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, organised private sector, domestic and international investors, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, financial institutions, project developers and other strategic partners around a common objective: To transform the Niger Delta from a predominantly resource-dependent economy into a diversified, productive, industrialised and globally competitive regional economy.”
According to Ogan, the Summit was designed not merely as another conference, but as an investment and transaction platform, stating: “I dare say that the region possesses opportunities far beyond crude oil.
“From gas and petrochemicals to agriculture and agro-processing; maritime and blue economy; manufacturing; aviation and transportation; renewable energy; tourism; digital economy; logistics; infrastructure and financial services, the Niger Delta possesses the resources and market opportunities required to become one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.”
We intend to showcase strategic investment opportunities capable of transforming the regional economy, including agro-industrial and oil-palm value chains, gas utilisation and gas-based industries, regional transportation and aviation, maritime infrastructure, industrial and logistics hubs, renewable energy, manufacturing, skills development, digital infrastructure and other high-impact projects.
The Counsel to the Legal Representative of NDCCITMA, Mr Sammie Somiari, SAN, affirmed that the Summit organiser was committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
He noted that in a suit filed by the founder of NDEIS, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, over an alleged trademark infringement, the court restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA.
Somiari assured that the Summit would proceed as planned, as there was no legal encumbrance to the economic and investment platform.
Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, observed that the Summit would promote stronger economic integration among the nine Niger Delta states.
She noted that the investment forum would produce tangible outcomes: investment commitments, project partnerships, financing opportunities, policy recommendations, and clearly defined implementation frameworks.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs
September 12, 2026
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