The Department of State Services (DSS) has released six individuals detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests that swept across Nigeria from August 1 to 10, 2024.
The protests aimed to draw attention to the escalating hardship faced by citizens but were marred by incidents of violence and criminal activities.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the detainees were released last Thursday in Kaduna following directives from the DSS Director General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
The protests, which initially sought to highlight government inefficiencies, were reportedly hijacked by criminal elements in various states, leading to harassment and intimidation of innocent participants.
While six individuals were freed, three others remain in custody and are facing prosecution for their involvement in criminal activities during the protests.
The top source said, “The DG DSS is not interested in the incarceration of innocent citizens for expressing their constitutional rights but is also not going to allow criminal elements take laws into their hands.
“There is incontrovertible evidence to press criminal charges against the three persons that are being held because we have a prima facie evidence against them.
“The DG DSS reiterates citizen’s right to peaceful protest as enshrined in the constitution and regard for the rule of law.
“However, he is resolute on upholding the mandate of the service to decisively investigate and bring to justice those who exploit such rights to perpetrate crime.”
The official disclosed that those released have commended the gesture of the DSS and expressed optimism on the humane face with which the service conducted the investigation that culminated in their unconditional release.
