The Department of State Services (DSS) has released four men who were arrested over suspected membership of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), after an investigation cleared them of any involvement with the group.
The four men were identified as Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry. Each of them reportedly received N5 million as compensation from the agency, bringing the total payment to N20 million.
They were arrested in May 2022 in Sampou and Akeddei communities in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.
A security source disclosed that investigations showed the men had been deceived into believing they would receive N100,000 monthly through the Federal Government’s amnesty programme.
Related News:
Former DSS Director-General Albert Horsfall Dies at 84
DSS Arrests Three Suspected Kidnappers, Rescues Victim in Nasarawa
DSS Arrests Four Over Alleged Diversion of Saudi-Donated Relief Materials in Taraba
The source explained that they were allegedly recruited through misleading promises by some IPOB members who are currently facing trial. The four men were reportedly unaware of the group’s actual activities when they were persuaded to participate.
Their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, commended the DSS for releasing his clients and taking steps to protect human rights.
The DSS introduced a compensation policy for people who are wrongfully detained. Under the initiative, the agency has also compensated other individuals after investigations established that they had no connection with the offences they were accused of committing.
About the Author
