In fulfillment of its promise to provide free medical care to a Sokoto-based businessman mistakenly shot during a security operation, the Department of State Services (DSS) has invited the victim to its medical facility in Abuja for comprehensive treatment.
The businessman sustained gunshot injuries in 2016 during a pre-dawn raid in Jos, Plateau State, when DSS operatives, in a bid to apprehend a suspected arms dealer, mistakenly targeted him due to a name mix-up. The actual suspect, who shared the same name, was later arrested.
Following a legal battle, the Federal High Court in Bauchi, presided over by Justice Muhammed Shittu Abubakar, ruled in 2018 that the DSS should compensate the victim with ₦10 million in damages (Suit No: FHC/J/CS/18/2018). However, the compensation remained unpaid for several years.
In March of this year, DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi not only approved the immediate payment of the court-ordered ₦10 million but also authorized an additional ₦10 million in goodwill compensation to make up for the prolonged delay—bringing the total to ₦20 million.
As part of a broader gesture of redress, DG Ajayi instructed that the businessman be fully integrated into the DSS medical care system, granting him access to free medical treatment for life. In line with this directive, the victim arrived at the DSS hospital in Abuja a few days ago and has since been receiving premium medical attention.
A DSS source disclosed, “He has been admitted to the VIP ward, which is fully air-conditioned and well-equipped. Our top specialists have been conducting comprehensive medical tests and providing 24/7 care to help him regain full use of his limbs. I even understand the DG directed that all his meals be provided at no cost.”
Commenting on the development, the source added: “This is the third DG since the incident occurred. We were all impressed when our current DG not only honored the court’s judgement but went a step further to show genuine compassion. It proves that security agencies can be both law-abiding and humane.”
The move has been hailed as a rare demonstration of accountability and empathy by a security agency, especially in matters involving operational errors.