If it’s not going to be a mere public stunt, then the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) has disappointed a lot of “big men” through his ongoing reforms. He has barred his men from making arrest in a issue that has to do with civil matter.
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Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi said earlier today in an interview with The Sun that he issued the order since he assumed office in August 2024.
“You cannot apply the use of force in civil matters. Even some criminal matters don’t require force,” the DSS DG said, added that it was part of his reform which focuses on five areas of: law enforcement, inter-agency synergy, accountability, respect for human rights, and infrastructural and administrative reforms.
He cited the political economist Prof Pat Utomi’s case as example of the policy at play. Instead of arresting Prof Utomi for plotting to establish a “shadow government” DSS sought judicial guide.
“Rather than arrest him, we sought judicial interpretation. And the Court ruled that his adventure was unconstitutional, illegal, and a threat to national security,” he said.
Ajayi also referred to another case involving Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) where two DSS operatives invaded SERAP premises. He said that court ruled against them, awarding ₦100 million in favour of the rights organisation.
DSS would be moderate in its dealings with Nigerians under his watch, allowing the rule of law to be it’s guide.
“I have told my people that there should be no arrest in any civil case. And I’m sure you have found out that, even in cases involving journalists, we would rather approach the court because we do the same job,” the DG continued.
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