DSS frees four men over IPOB allegations, approves N5m each in compensation

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released four men arrested over alleged membership of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and approved N20m compensation for them, Punch reports.

The agency said each of the men, Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, would receive N5m after investigations cleared them.

A DSS source who spoke anonymously said they were arrested in May 2022 in communities in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. He said they were misled into believing they would receive N100,000 monthly under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme, “not knowing that they were being lured by a group of IPOB members who are now facing trial.”

Their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, commended the DSS and its Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

Ajayi ordered a review of more than 300 inherited terrorism-related cases in 2024. Over N1bn in compensation has been paid, according to the report. He said, “Where we admit our mistakes, we offer compensation.”