DSS DG bans operatives from arresting people over civil matters

The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, has instructed agency operatives not to arrest individuals for civil matters. Ajayi made this announcement during a media interview on Thursday, stating that the directive aims to uphold the rule of law and enhance the DSS's human rights record. Since taking office, Ajayi has undertaken reforms across five key areas, including law enforcement, inter-agency collaboration, accountability, respect for human rights, and operational efficiency.

Ajayi explained that these reforms have established a clearer distinction between civil and criminal matters within the agency. He emphasized that the DSS previously mistakenly combined these two categories, asserting that using force in civil disputes was inappropriate. He cited the case of political economist Prof Pat Utomi, who was accused of attempting to establish a "shadow government".

Instead of arresting Utomi, the DSS sought a judicial interpretation, which ruled that his actions were unconstitutional and a threat to national security.

Additionally, Ajayi referenced a case involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), where the DSS operatives attempted to invade the organization's premises. The matter was resolved in court without any arrests, with SERAP receiving over N100 million in compensation. When asked if the DSS now relies on courts for civil matters, Ajayi confirmed this, stating that his team would prefer to approach the courts rather than make arrests.

He emphasized that his agency's role is to inform the government, and their classified information is declassified when necessary.