Nigerian authorities have freed a man ”wrongfully detained” on suspicion of having links with the Boko Haram terrorist group.
Nura Idris, a cattle herder based in the northern state of Kaduna, was arrested by security forces in Suleja, a town near the capital Abuja, in June 2024.
The Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has now ordered the release of the man ‘’after an internal investigation cleared him of alleged links to Boko Haram terrorists,’’ state broadcaster NTA reported on Saturday, quoting a statement from the security agency.
‘’Following a comprehensive review of his case, the DSS found no evidence connecting him to terrorism. The Director-General immediately ordered his release and approved a ₦3 million ($2,200) compensation package to support his reintegration, with additional assistance promised to help him rebuild his livelihood,’’ it added.
The DSS got a new leadership in August 2024 with the appointment of Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi as its head.
Rare situation
Idris was quoted as expressing ‘’gratitude’’ to the DSS and describing his release as ‘’life-changing’’ and commended for ‘’the humane treatment’’ he received while in detention.
Such compensation for cleared suspects is very rare in Nigeria. However, the DSS said the herder’s release and compensation are part of an ongoing review of ‘’inherited and prolonged detention cases’’ aimed at ‘’balancing national security with the protection of citizens’ rights.’’
At least 30 cases have been reviewed and more than ₦300 million ($220,000) has been paid in compensation to wrongfully detained persons, NTA reported.
Members of the separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, were among those freed and compensated following the review.
IPOB, which is seeking a breakaway state of Biafra in the southeast of Nigeria, is one of the groups declared as terrorist organisations by the Nigerian authorities.
The review of detainees’ cases comes as Nigeria grapples with a myriad of security challenges, including terrorism by Boko Haram and Daesh, kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs, and violent separatism by IPOB.
Over the years, there have been thousands of arrests and a number of court convictions and acquittals in relation to the insecurity, which has claimed the lives of thousands of people across the country.
