DSS has freed a Kaduna farmer wrongly accused of terrorism and awarded him N3 million after an internal investigation found no evidence against him.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a Kaduna State farmer who was previously accused of having links to terrorist groups after an internal review concluded that the allegations against him were unfounded.
The decision was approved by the Director-General of the agency, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, following recommendations from a special review panel established to examine detention cases inherited by the security service.
The panel reportedly found no evidence connecting the farmer, Nura Idris, to any terrorist activities, leading to his immediate release from custody.
Beyond granting him freedom, the security agency also approved a compensation package worth N3 million to assist him in rebuilding his life after spending months in detention.
Officials further pledged support to help him revive his farming and livestock business, which suffered setbacks during the period of his incarceration.
According to security sources, Idris, a resident of Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was initially arrested in June 2024 by another security agency in Suleja, Niger State.
At the time, he was suspected of maintaining connections with Boko Haram operatives. He was later transferred to the custody of the DSS for further investigation and assessment.
However, after an extensive review of intelligence reports and available evidence, investigators reportedly determined that the claims against him could not be substantiated.
The findings prompted authorities to clear him of all allegations and order his release.
The case has attracted attention because it highlights a growing effort by the agency to reassess long-standing detention cases and address situations where individuals may have been wrongly implicated in security-related investigations.
Speaking after regaining his freedom, Idris expressed gratitude to the leadership of the security service for reviewing his case and ensuring justice prevailed.
He reportedly stated that the financial support would provide him with an opportunity to restart his life and recover from the economic hardship caused by his detention.
He also thanked the agency for what he described as humane treatment throughout his stay in custody.
Family members were equally relieved by the development. His father, Yusuf Idris, welcomed him home and praised the decision to not only release him but also provide compensation.
According to him, the support will help the family recover from the difficulties experienced during the period of uncertainty.
Security insiders disclosed that the release forms part of a broader reform initiative introduced under the current leadership of the agency.
The programme was reportedly designed to review prolonged detention cases and ensure that innocent individuals are not kept in custody without sufficient evidence.
As part of the initiative, affected persons who are cleared of allegations may receive various forms of assistance aimed at helping them return to normal life. Such interventions can include medical care, psychological support, vocational assistance and financial aid.
Sources familiar with the process explained that the objective is not only to correct mistakes where they occur but also to strengthen public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
They noted that accountability and respect for citizens’ rights remain important components of effective national security operations.
The latest development is not the first instance in which the DSS has reviewed and overturned previous allegations against detainees.
One of the most prominent cases involved Sunday Ifedi, who, alongside his wife Calista, had been arrested in November 2021.
Following a review ordered by the current Director-General, investigators reportedly found no evidence supporting allegations that linked him to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
As a result, Ifedi was released in December 2025 and received N10 million as compensation.
Security sources also revealed that authorities are considering additional measures to support the family, including plans to rebuild a restaurant associated with his late wife, Calista, who died while in custody.
In another case, Abuja-based entrepreneur Chineze Ozoadibe was reportedly released after a review of her detention. She was also awarded N10 million in compensation following findings that cleared her of the allegations that led to her arrest.
Similarly, Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, who had been detained over alleged links to IPOB, was later freed after investigators found insufficient evidence to sustain the claims against him.
Several other detainees cleared during the exercise reportedly received financial assistance to support their reintegration into society.
Last month, another beneficiary of the review programme, Ya’u Mohammed from Yobe State, regained his freedom after investigations established that he had no connection to terrorist activities. Following his release, he was given N2 million to help rebuild his livelihood.
According to security sources, more than 30 detention cases have so far been reviewed under the ongoing exercise.
The review process has reportedly resulted in compensation payments exceeding N300 million to individuals who were wrongfully detained or cleared of serious allegations.
Observers say the initiative reflects a shift toward balancing national security responsibilities with the protection of fundamental human rights.
While security agencies are expected to act decisively against criminal and terrorist threats, experts argue that mechanisms for correcting errors are equally important in maintaining public trust.
The recent release of Nura Idris serves as another example of how internal reviews can help ensure fairness within the justice and security system.
By combining accountability with support for affected individuals, the DSS appears determined to demonstrate that national security efforts can coexist with respect for the rights and dignity of ordinary citizens.
For Idris and his family, the decision marks the beginning of a new chapter after months of uncertainty.
With compensation, renewed freedom and promises of further support, he now faces the task of rebuilding both his livelihood and his future.
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