The Department of State Services (DSS) has released six individuals held in connection with recent protests against poor governance in Nigeria. Their release was confirmed on Sunday by security sources, with reports indicating that they were freed last Thursday in Kaduna, on the orders of DSS Director General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
A source familiar with the case disclosed that while six of the detainees were released without charges, three others remain in custody and are being processed for prosecution. According to the source, there is substantial evidence to support criminal charges against the three individuals, who allegedly engaged in illegal activities during the protests.
“The DG DSS is not interested in the incarceration of innocent citizens for expressing their constitutional rights,” the source told Vanguard. “However, there is incontrovertible evidence to press criminal charges against the three persons being held, because we have prima facie evidence against them.”
The DSS Director General emphasized the agency’s respect for citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, as guaranteed by the constitution, but reiterated the service’s mandate to ensure that those who exploit such rights for criminal purposes are held accountable.
Those released have reportedly expressed their gratitude to the DSS for conducting the investigation in a humane manner, leading to their unconditional release.
The #EndBadgovernance protest, which took place between August 1 and 10, saw citizens in major cities across Nigeria rally against widespread hardship. Unfortunately, the protests were hijacked by criminal elements in several states, leading to violence, harassment, and intimidation of innocent citizens by hoodlums.
