A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and the association of retired DSS officers over his decision to disclose an internal matter to online news platform SaharaReporters.
The retired officer has also demanded the retraction of a SaharaReporters publication dated June 29, 2026, alleging that the report contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims. He has given the platform seven days to comply or face possible legal action.
The demand was conveyed through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, principal partner of Lawminds Associates, in a letter dated October 16, 2026.
In the letter, the law firm expressed concern over the publication, alleging that it denigrated the office of the DSS Director-General and the Association of Retired DSS Officers of Nigeria (ARODSSON).
The letter read in part: “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.”
While acknowledging the media’s role in promoting transparency, accountability and public discourse, the lawyers stressed the importance of responsible journalism, factual accuracy and fairness.
They also emphasised the right of individuals to respond to publications they believe could damage their reputations.
The law firm requested that SaharaReporters publish an official response from its client addressing the claims and assertions contained in the June 29 report.
It further demanded the prompt correction and retraction of any statements found to be factually inaccurate, misleading or unsupported by verifiable evidence.
Expressing the hope that the media organisation would cooperate, the lawyers warned that failure to respond appropriately within seven days of receiving the letter could compel their client to consider further lawful steps.
The legal threat comes weeks after Ezeakolam wrote to the DSS Director-General on September 22, 2026, expressing regret over his decision to make an internal matter public.
In the letter, the retired officer apologised for escalating the issue to an online media platform, describing his action as 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.
Ezeakolam maintained that he never intended to cause harm to the Director-General or expose the office to legal difficulties.
“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.
He 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 inimical to the country’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 said.
He concluded his appeal by asking the Director-General to temper justice with mercy and resolve the matter internally.
“I plead with you, sir, to temper justice with mercy and resolve the matter internally,” he added.
