The Department of State Services (DSS) has paid ₦10 million in compensation to Nigerian businessman Abdulyakini Salisu, who was unlawfully detained for almost three years without being formally charged in court. Salisu, a quarry operator based along the Zuba–Kaduna Road, was released recently following sustained legal pressure led by prominent human rights lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju.
According to Adeyanju, the DSS also committed to supporting the revival of Salisu’s business, which suffered due to his prolonged incarceration. The compensation package was part of a negotiated settlement that avoided a protracted legal battle. Adeyanju noted that this development is one of several ongoing efforts aimed at securing justice for victims of illegal detentions by Nigerian security agencies.
“This is not an isolated case,” Adeyanju said. “Our legal team has worked on numerous cases involving unlawful detentions, and while we cannot disclose details of all clients due to confidentiality agreements, the current DSS leadership deserves commendation for acknowledging its errors and taking responsibility.”
Adeyanju revealed that the strategy of negotiating settlements was adopted due to the difficulties in enforcing financial judgments against government institutions in Nigeria. He described Salisu’s case as a significant example of justice being achieved through non-litigation means.
News medias had earlier reported Salisu’s release, confirming that he had been held since 2022. A family source disclosed that Salisu’s wife, who had not seen him since his arrest, was recently invited to the DSS headquarters in Abuja after media pressure and legal interventions intensified. The source attributed the development to Adeyanju’s efforts and a recent investigative report.
A top DSS insider revealed that Salisu had developed serious health issues during his detention and that no incriminating evidence was ever found against him. The source further claimed the agency hesitated to release Salisu over concerns he might file a lawsuit for wrongful detention.
Another source stated that some DSS operatives were deeply dissatisfied with how Salisu’s case was handled, adding to the internal pressure that may have influenced the agency’s decision to settle.
Salisu’s wife had earlier reported that her husband’s disappearance had been distressing for the family, as they initially believed he had been kidnapped. The family’s ordeal lasted over two years before any resolution was reached.
The DSS has long faced criticism over its pattern of detaining individuals for extended periods without trial. Rights advocates have repeatedly called on the Nigerian government to reform the country’s security agencies and uphold due process.