Ex-DSS Officer Apologises to DG Over Leaked Internal Matter, Threatens Legal Action Against SaharaReporters

Ex-DSS Officer Apologises to DG Over Leaked Internal Matter, Threatens Legal Action Against SaharaReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, over the publication of an internal matter on an online news platform, SaharaReporters.

The retired officer, who expressed regret over his decision to make the matter public, also asked the DSS chief to resolve the issue internally, while appealing for leniency.

However, Ezeakolam, through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, Principal Partner of Lawminds Associates, has demanded the retraction of a SaharaReporters publication dated June 29, 2026, alleging that the report contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims.

In a letter dated October 16, 2026, addressed to the online publication, the law firm demanded a formal response to the disputed report and called for the correction or retraction of any claims found to be inaccurate or unsupported by verifiable evidence.

The letter also alleged that the publication had denigrated the office of the DSS Director-General and ARODSSON, an association of retired DSS officers.

While acknowledging the media's role in promoting transparency, accountability and public discourse, the lawyers emphasised the need for responsible journalism, factual accuracy and fairness.

"We write to express our profound concern regarding the publication made by your online publication on 29th June 2026, wherein the exalted office of the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and ARODSSON were denigrated," the letter stated.

The legal representatives further demanded that SaharaReporters publish an official response from their client addressing the claims and assertions contained in the June 29 report.

They also insisted that any statements found to be misleading or factually inaccurate should be promptly corrected and retracted.

The law firm warned that it would consider further legal action if the publication failed to respond appropriately within seven days of receiving the letter.

"Should your newspaper fail to respond appropriately within seven days from the receipt of this letter, we reserve the right to consider further lawful steps available to address the matter," the lawyers stated.

Ex-Officer Appeals to DSS Director-General

In a separate letter dated September 22, 2026, Ezeakolam apologised to the DSS Director-General, acknowledging that his decision to disclose an internal matter through an online media platform was an error of judgment.

"I write this letter with deep regret and humility, to apologise for my decision to escalate and publish an internal matter on an online media space. I acknowledge that making such publication was a serious error in judgment and I regret the consequences," he wrote.

The retired officer maintained that he had no intention of causing harm to Ajayi or exposing the DSS chief and his office to legal difficulties.

He acknowledged the sensitive nature of internal security matters, admitting that the issue should not have been made public.

"It was never my intention to cause any harm to your esteemed self or the exalted office of the DGSS; or to expose you to legal difficulties. I recognise that internal matters are sensitive in nature and should not have been made available publicly," he stated.

Ezeakolam further expressed regret over the embarrassment his actions might have caused the Director-General and the agency, adding that the incident had taught him an important lesson.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the retired officer said he had neither participated in nor intended to participate in any activity detrimental to the nation's security.

"My allegiance is and will remain wholly to the Federal Government of Nigeria as a retired officer. I have never participated and will never participate in any act that is inimical to the security of this nation," he stated.

He concluded by appealing to the DSS chief to temper justice with mercy and settle the matter internally.

"I plead with you sir, to temper justice with mercy and resolve the matter internally," he added.

The development comes amid the retired officer's parallel demand for a retraction of the SaharaReporters publication, with his lawyers giving the platform seven days to respond or risk further legal action.