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Why DSS DG Draws the Line: ‘No More Arrests Over Civil Disputes’
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, has ordered operatives of the agency to stop arresting people over matters that are strictly civil.
Ajayi issued the directive on Thursday during an interaction with selected media executives, saying the move was part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights and improving the public perception of the secret police.
According to the DSS boss, reforms introduced since he assumed office have focused on five key areas: law enforcement, inter-agency cooperation, accountability, respect for human rights, and administrative and infrastructural improvements.
Ajayi acknowledged that the distinction between civil and criminal matters had not always been clear within the agency, but said his administration was working to correct the situation.
“You cannot apply the use of force in civil matters. Even some criminal matters don’t require force,” he said.
He cited the case involving political economist Pat Utomi, who was accused of attempting to establish a “shadow government.” Rather than arresting him, Ajayi said the DSS sought judicial interpretation of the matter.
The court subsequently ruled that Utomi’s alleged “adventure” was unconstitutional, illegal and a threat to national security, according to the DSS DG.
Ajayi also referenced the legal dispute involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), saying the agency allowed the matter to proceed through the courts rather than resorting to arrests.
He said a May 2026 judgment awarded N100 million in damages to two DSS officials over alleged defamation, although SERAP has appealed the decision.
The DSS chief stressed that the agency would now rely on the courts whenever disputes are civil in nature.
“I have instructed my operatives that there should be no arrest in any civil case,” Ajayi said.
He further disclosed that the DSS would adopt the same approach when dealing with journalists, describing them as “professional colleagues” of the agency.
According to Ajayi, while journalists provide information to the public, the DSS provides information to the government.
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