The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of Nura Idris, a herder and farmer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who was wrongfully detained over alleged links to Boko Haram terrorists.

Idris was cleared after a thorough review by a DSS investigation panel, which found no evidence to support the allegations against him. In addition to his release, the DSS chief approved N3 million in monetary compensation to support his immediate needs and pledged further assistance to help him restart his livestock and farming business — a standard practice under the current leadership.

According to security sources, Idris was arrested in June 2024 by another security agency in Suleja, Niger State, and subsequently transferred to DSS custody. Following the panel’s findings, the DSS Director-General directed his prompt release and compensation.

Upon receiving the payment, Idris expressed gratitude to the DSS boss. “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.

His father, Yusuf Idris, who received him upon release, also commended the DSS for its compassion. He assured that the compensation would be used productively to rebuild the family’s livelihood.

The release forms part of an ongoing internal review exercise initiated by the DSS last year to re-examine prolonged and inherited cases, with the aim of ensuring that individuals erroneously detained are not left in custody indefinitely.

“When such cases are recorded, the DSS would usually follow up with the detainee, provide psychological and medical support, after which the Agency would further set up any business of the victim’s choice,” a source disclosed.

The exercise has reinforced the Service’s reputation for institutional integrity. “The setting free and compensations across multiple cases underscores the DSS’s growing reputation for institutional integrity and humanness,” the source added.

“The Service under the current DG has continued to show that safeguarding national security and citizens must go hand in hand with upholding the rights and dignity of citizens,” the source further stated.

Other Notable Cases

The DSS has handled several similar high-profile reviews. In one case, Sunday Ifedi and his wife Calista were arrested in November 2021 and detained for alleged ties to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Sunday was released in December 2025 after a review ordered by the current DG cleared him. He received N10 million in compensation, and the Service is planning to rebuild a restaurant in memory of his late wife, who died in custody.

In October 2025, the DSS released Abuja-based businesswoman Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe with N10 million compensation. Shortly after, Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor (arrested in 2022) and five other individuals linked to IPOB were freed, each receiving initial N2 million payments.

Last month, a Yobe State resident, Ya’u Mohammed, was also released with N2 million in support after being cleared of terrorism connections.

The source noted that over thirty cases have been reviewed, with more than N300 million paid in compensation. “There are many more instances where DSS investigations have established innocence and have been followed by efforts to facilitate reintegration,” the source said. “These are the kind of measures the DSS is using to build public trust.”

…Urges Genotype Testing, Informed Marriage Decisions, Peer-to-Peer Awareness

…Surulere Senior Secondary School, Oriwu Junior Model College Emerge Debate, Quiz Champions

Lagos State Government has charged secondary school students to become champions of sickle cell awareness by knowing their genotype, promoting informed decision-making and educating their peers, declaring that sustained public enlightenment remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing the burden of sickle cell disorder across the State.

Delivering the keynote address at an Inter-school Debate and Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Lagos State to commemorate 2026 World Sickle Cell Day, held at the NUT Pavilion Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said every individual must understand his or her genotype and its implications before making life-changing decisions, particularly on marriage and family planning.

Dr. Lajide, who listened to part of the debate on whether government should prevent people with sickle cell traits from marrying one another, declined to take a position on the motion but stressed that the most important issue was ensuring that everyone is well informed. “We must all be informed. Every individual needs to know their genotype and understand what it means so they can make informed decisions about their future,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that sickle cell disorder extends beyond medical complications, explaining that affected families often face emotional, physical and financial hardships arising from frequent hospital visits, recurring pain crises and prolonged treatment. She urged students to become ambassadors of awareness by sharing the knowledge acquired during the competition with their friends, classmates, siblings and parents, while appreciating partners, NGOs and healthcare professionals supporting sickle cell advocacy in Lagos State.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Acting Director of Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abosede Wellington, said Lagos deliberately chose a debate and quiz competition to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day because the State was committed to creating lasting impact rather than limiting activities to ceremonial observance.

According to Wellington, the competition was designed to equip future leaders with accurate knowledge and positive values on sickle cell disorder, enabling them to become informed advocates capable of making sound health decisions for themselves, their families and society. She expressed confidence that the participating students would once again demonstrate exceptional brilliance, eloquence and critical thinking.

She encouraged the contestants to enjoy the exercise while recognising that every participant was already a winner, saying the event offered opportunities for learning, knowledge sharing and personal development beyond the prizes at stake.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, described information as power, urging students to spread awareness on sickle cell disorder in their schools and homes while celebrating the courage and resilience of people living with the condition.

Chairperson of the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs and Chief Executive Officer of Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, Miss Timi Edwin, told participants that sickle cell disorder is not a death sentence, noting that many people living with the condition now live longer, healthier and more productive lives. She commended the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Health for sustaining initiatives that combat stigma and promote inclusion.

Also speaking, Consultant with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Timilehin Rotimi-Ojo, urged students to continue conversations on genotype awareness after the competition by asking family members and friends a simple but vital question: “Do you know your genotype?” She also called for greater empathy and support for sickle cell warriors.

Executive Director of Couples and Kids Social Initiative, Miss Tofunmi Adekola, praised the Lagos State Government for its sustained commitment to improving the lives of persons living with sickle cell disorder, encouraging contestants to approach the competition with confidence, courage and self-belief.

Editor-in-Chief of Sickle Cell News and author of Menace in My Blood, Ayoola Olajide, who is living with sickle cell disorder, reinforced the campaign message by recounting his recent attendance at the 90th birthday celebration of a fellow sickle cell warrior, describing the milestone as proof that people living with the condition can enjoy long and fulfilling lives with proper care and support. Founder of the Lagos State University Sickle Cell Society, Ayomide Durodola, equally called for an end to stigma and discrimination against persons living with sickle cell disorder.

Speaking after the competition, winner of the quiz category, Aminat Akintelu of Oriwu Junior Model College, expressed gratitude for the victory, saying the competition deepened her understanding of genotype compatibility, sickle cell interventions and support systems despite the challenge of balancing preparation with schoolwork.

Winner of the debate competition, Abdulyekeen Ramatallahi of Surulere Senior Secondary School, Alagbado, dedicated his victory to his teacher, Mr. Alebiosu, while advocating expanded government-sponsored genotype awareness campaigns and free or subsidised genotype testing to help young people make informed decisions before marriage. His teacher, Mr. Ayo Alebiosu, commended the Ministry of Health for organising the initiative, revealing that the school continued intensive rehearsals throughout the holiday period to secure victory while urging Nigerians to know their genotype.

At the end of the keenly contested competition, Surulere Senior Secondary School, Alagbado emerged winner of the debate competition, followed by Community High School, Majidun in second place and Alimosho Senior High School in third. In the quiz category, Aminat Akintelu of Oriwu Junior Model College clinched first position, while Akapo Ayomide Raphael of Mende Junior High School and Adedeji Emmanuel of Alimosho Junior Grammar School finished second and third respectively.

The Nigeria Police Force has officially ruled out terrorism, sabotage, or an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as the cause of the explosion that rocked Mushin, Lagos, on June 22, 2026.

The blast, which occurred at No. 19 Way Street, was instead attributed to a mechanical failure, authorities confirmed after a thorough investigation.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who spoke on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the conclusion was reached following an extensive forensic and technical probe by the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit.

“Initial reports from the scene raised concerns that the blast may have been triggered by an explosive device,” CP Tijani stated. “This prompted the immediate deployment of EOD-CBRN specialists for a comprehensive investigation.”

He explained that investigators carried out a detailed examination of the affected vehicle, analysed recovered fragments and damage patterns, collected and evaluated physical evidence, and interviewed relevant witnesses.

“After careful analysis, we concluded that the explosion resulted from a mechanical fault,” the Commissioner added.

The police have assured residents of Mushin and the general public that there is no evidence linking the incident to terrorism or any form of criminal sabotage. The Force reiterated its commitment to conducting thorough investigations and ensuring public safety in the state.