The Department of State Services (DSS) has released four individuals arrested over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), approving ₦20 million in compensation for them following investigations that reportedly established they were deceived into joining the group.
The four individuals, identified as Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, were arrested in May 2022 in Sampou and Akeddei communities in Bayelsa State.
According to security sources, investigations revealed that the individuals were allegedly lured into the activities of IPOB members through promises of monthly payments of ₦100,000 under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme.
The individuals were reportedly recruited by some IPOB members who are currently standing trial over their alleged involvement in the activities of the proscribed organisation.
Following their clearance, the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, approved an initial compensation of ₦5 million for each of the four individuals, bringing the total payment to ₦20 million.
Beyond the financial compensation, the Service also pledged to provide the released individuals with medical and psychological support to assist their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Reacting to the development, their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, commended the DSS leadership for what he described as its commitment to human rights and national security.
One of the released individuals, Ibe, also expressed happiness over his release, describing the development as the happiest day of his life.
He said the experience had taught him valuable lessons which he intended to share with others to prevent them from falling victim to similar recruitment schemes.
The development underscores the importance of intelligence-led investigations, rehabilitation and the protection of citizens who may have been manipulated or exploited by criminal and extremist groups.