The Department of State Services (DSS) has begun providing free medical treatment to a Sokoto-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by its operatives during a 2016 raid in Jos, Plateau State.
Acting on orders from DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, the victim was admitted to the DSS hospital in Abuja, where he is currently receiving extensive medical care from top specialists.
A security insider confirmed the businessman’s recent arrival at the facility, noting that he is being treated in the VIP ward with access to advanced medical care and complimentary meals.
“True to the DG’s instructions, he’s getting round-the-clock care. The priority is to help him regain full control of his limbs,” the source said.
Earlier in March, the DSS had disbursed ₦10 million in damages following a 2018 Federal High Court ruling, and also awarded an additional ₦10 million ex gratia to compensate for lost time, bringing the total to ₦20 million.
The shooting occurred during a pre-dawn operation in 2016, when DSS operatives mistakenly shot the businessman, who shares the same name as the actual suspect, an alleged gunrunner who was later arrested.
The victim sought justice through his lawyer, Idris Akibu.
In 2018, Justice Muhammed Shittu Abubakar of the Federal High Court in Bauchi ruled in favour of the businessman and ordered the DSS to pay ₦10 million in damages (Suit No FHC/J/CS/18/2018).
According to insiders, the Director-General’s directive to enroll the victim in the DSS healthcare system is part of ongoing efforts to deliver justice and restore public confidence.
“This is the third DG since this unfortunate case of mistaken identity happened. We were very happy when our new DG directed us to pay the money. He even added another ₦10 million to the victim’s money”
“It goes to show that, not only can security agencies be law-abiding, we can also be full of the milk of human kindness,” the source declared.
