DSS Gifts ₦20m Compensation, Free Medical Care To Businessman Who Was Accidentally Shot
The Department of State Services (DSS) has fulfilled its commitment to provide free medical care to a Sokoto-based businessman accidentally shot by operatives during a 2016 raid, inviting him to its hospital in Abuja where he is currently receiving treatment. The businessman, who shares the same name as a suspected gunrunner, was mistakenly targeted during a pre-dawn operation in Jos, Plateau State. The actual suspect was later apprehended. In March, DSS Director-General Mr. Tosin Ajayi authorised the payment of ₦10 million in damages, as ordered by a Federal High Court in Bauchi in 2018. He also approved an additional ₦10 million “to compensate for time lost”, bringing the total compensation to ₦20 million. As part of the redress measures, Mr. Ajayi directed that the businessman be permanently integrated into the DSS medical system to enjoy unrestricted access to free healthcare services. A security source confirmed the businessman arrived at the DSS hospital “a few days ago” and has been receiving comprehensive medical attention. “True to the DG’s directive, the man has been in the VIP ward which, of course, is fully air-conditioned,” the source said. “They have been running series of checks and giving him round-the-clock medical attention, in order to make him regain full control of his limbs. I even understand the DG asked that he be fed for free.” The court ruling, issued under suit number FHC/J/CS/18/2018 by Justice Muhammed Shittu Abubakar, came two years after the incident and awarded ₦10 million in damages to the victim, represented by lawyer Idris Akibu. “This is the third DG since this unfortunate case of mistaken identity happened. We were very happy when our new DG directed that we pay the money. He even added another ₦10 million to the victim’s money,” the source noted. “It goes to show that, not only can security agencies be law abiding, we can also be full of the milk of human kindness.”
Admin | 2025-05-23 21:07:31