DSS DG Orders Halt to Arrests Over Civil Disputes

On September 3, 2023, Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), issued a directive to stop the arrest of individuals over civil disputes, insisting that such matters should be resolved through lawful judicial processes. This directive is part of a reform initiative aimed at repositioning the DSS, enhancing respect for the rule of law, and improving its human rights record.

Ajayi stressed the importance of distinguishing between civil disagreements and criminal matters, stating that the use of force should not be applied in civil cases. He cited the case of Professor Pat Utomi, where the DSS sought judicial interpretation rather than arrest, leading to a court ruling that deemed Utomi's proposal unconstitutional.

Ajayi also referenced a dispute involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), where the DSS allowed the matter to proceed in court, resulting in a court award of over N100 million to SERAP. The reform aims to foster a more professional and accountable operational culture within the DSS.