DSS free three wrongfully detained men accused of IPOB/ESN membership

The Department of State Services on Tuesday released three persons detained on the  suspicion of belonging to  the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), and  involvement in the killing of seven Fulani cattle herders.

At the same time, the Service is reviewing more than 20 cases of persons believed to have been wrongfully detained, as part of the reforms being initiated by the new Director General of the secret police, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.

The disclosure was made Tuesday night by Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Deji Adeyanju via his verified social media handles.

Adeyanju confirmed that the trio of Augustine Udemba, Nelson Onyedikachi Udemba, and Ifesinachi Eze, who were arrested and wrongfully detained on the allegation of involvement in IPOB/ESN activities and killing of seven herders, were released on Tuesday and that they had since been reunited with their families.

The lawyer described  the release as part of the  ongoing reforms by  the new DSS boss to reposition the the Service and make it rule of law- compliant, including reviewing the cases of those in custody, charging to court where required, and releasing those wrongfully detained.