I’m Sorry For Leaking Official Matters,” Ex-DSS Officer Begs DG, Threatens To Sue SaharaReporters
A retired officer of the Department of State Services, DSS, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the Director-General of the Service, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and members of the Association of Retired Officers of the DSS, over the publication of an internal matter on an online news platform.
In a letter dated September 22, 2026, Ezeakolam expressed deep regret over his decision to escalate an internal issue to the media, describing the action as a serious error of judgment that was never intended to cause harm or embarrassment to the agency’s leadership.
“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, stressing that internal security matters are sensitive and should not have been made public.
The retired officer, who reaffirmed his loyalty to the Federal Government of Nigeria, said he had never participated and would never participate in any act inimical to the security of the nation, while pleading with the DG to temper justice with mercy and resolve the matter internally.
In a separate development, Ezeakolam, through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, Principal Partner of Lawminds Associates, has demanded a retraction of a SaharaReporters publication dated June 29, 2026, which he said contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims denigrating the office of the DSS Director-General and ARODSSON.
The letter dated October 16, 2026, acknowledged the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability but emphasized responsible journalism, factual accuracy, fairness and the right of individuals to respond to reports capable of damaging their reputation, while asking the platform to publish his official response and correct any misleading claims.
The law firm gave SaharaReporters seven days from receipt of the letter to comply, warning that failure to respond appropriately would attract further lawful steps, as the dispute centres on the publication of an internal DSS matter and the subsequent demand for retraction.
