DSS Frees Wrongly Held Kaduna Herder, Pays N3 Million Compensation.

The Department of State Services, DSS, has released Nura Idris, a herder who was wrongfully arrested over alleged links to terrorism, after an internal review cleared him of any wrongdoing.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, approved Idris’ immediate release following findings by an investigative panel that found no evidence linking him to Boko Haram terrorists.

Ajayi also directed that Idris be paid N3 million as immediate financial support and ordered that he be assisted to start a business, Daily Trust reported.

Idris, a herder and farmer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 over alleged links to terrorists. A senior DSS official told Daily Trust that he was transferred to the Service by another security agency after his initial arrest.

The official said a comprehensive review found no basis for the allegations against Idris, which prompted the DSS boss to order his release and compensation.

Speaking after receiving the money, Idris thanked the DGSS, saying the support would help him rebuild his life. "I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely," he said, as quoted by Daily Trust.

His father, Yusuf Idris, who received him on release, also thanked the DSS Director-General for his compassion, assuring that the money would be used well.

Daily Trust reported that the DSS routinely provides psychological and medical support to such persons before assisting them to establish a business of their choice.

The agency said the release is part of an internal review exercise started last year to reassess prolonged inherited cases and ensure persons wrongly detained are not kept in custody.

According to the report, more than 30 cases have been reviewed under the exercise, with over N300 million paid as compensation.