DSS Bans Officers from Arresting Civilians Over Disputes

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a directive prohibiting its operatives from arresting individuals over civil matters, stating that such disputes should be resolved through the courts. DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi announced this during a media interview on Thursday, highlighting that the directive is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening respect for the rule of law and improving the agency's human rights record.

Ajayi noted that the DSS has introduced reforms since he took office, which clarify the distinction between civil and criminal cases. He emphasized that force should not be used in civil disputes, citing the case of constitutional lawyer Prof Pat Utomi, where the DSS opted for judicial interpretation instead of arrest.

Ajayi also mentioned the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) case, where the agency allowed the matter to proceed in court without making arrests. He reiterated that there should be no arrests in civil cases and acknowledged the agency's collaborative approach with journalists.