The Department of State Services (DSS) has paid ₦10 million in compensation to Abdulyakini Salisu, a Kaduna-based businessman who was unlawfully detained for nearly three years without trial.
Salisu, the owner of a quarry along the Zuba–Kaduna Road, was recently released following persistent legal interventions by his lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju.
Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer, confirmed to SaharaReporters that the compensation formed part of a settlement deal reached with the DSS. The agency also pledged to provide support for Salisu’s business, which suffered immensely during his prolonged detention.
“We have been able to secure a ₦10 million compensation for our client and a further promise to support his business by the DSS for the wrongful and prolonged detention,” Adeyanju stated.
He noted that the current DSS leadership has shown willingness to address past injustices and compensate victims, although confidentiality agreements prevent disclosure of other cases his firm is handling.
“This is not the first time the new DSS leadership is agreeing to compensate our clients, but due to clear instruction from our clients not to disclose, we will not be able to share any detail for now,” he added.
Salisu was detained by the DSS since 2022 without being charged to court, despite no incriminating evidence found against him. His release was facilitated by SaharaReporters’ coverage and legal pressure from Adeyanju's team.
Salisu’s wife, who had not seen him since his arrest, was finally reunited with him at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, after which the businessman was released pending the perfection of his bail.
A DSS source earlier admitted that Salisu’s continued detention was motivated by fears that he might sue the agency for damages, especially given that his case officer had confirmed he was innocent.
Salisu reportedly developed multiple health complications during his detention, raising further concerns about the DSS’s handling of detainees.
The DSS has faced repeated criticism for its pattern of unlawful detentions and violations of human rights, often keeping individuals in custody for extended periods without formal charges.
Adeyanju’s legal strategy focuses on securing compensation as an alternative to pursuing prolonged court battles, which are often hampered by the difficulty of enforcing judgments against government institutions.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability within Nigeria’s security agencies and the need for reforms to prevent further abuses of power.
