DSS Fulfills N20 Million Compensation, Begins Free Medical Care for Mistakenly Shot Businessman
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The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially commenced free medical treatment for a Sokoto-based businessman who was mistakenly shot during a 2016 operation in Jos, Plateau State. The move comes as part of a compensation package previously promised by the agency’s leadership.
The businessman, who was injured in a case of mistaken identity during a pre-dawn raid targeting a suspected gunrunner, was awarded N10 million in damages by a Federal High Court in Bauchi in 2018. The DSS, under its current Director-General, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, has not only honored the court’s ruling but also added an additional N10 million to the compensation, bringing the total to N20 million.
In a recent development, the DSS invited the victim to its hospital in Abuja to begin receiving ongoing medical care at no cost. A senior security source confirmed that the businessman arrived at the facility a few days ago and is currently undergoing a series of tests and treatments under the care of the hospital’s top medical personnel.
“True to the DG’s directive, the man has been admitted into the VIP ward, which is fully air-conditioned. He’s receiving round-the-clock medical attention aimed at helping him regain full use of his limbs,” the source said. “The DG even instructed that he be fed at no personal cost.”
The 2016 incident occurred when DSS operatives, acting on intelligence, attempted to apprehend a suspected arms dealer. The Sokoto businessman—who shares a name with the suspect—was mistakenly targeted and injured. The actual suspect was later apprehended.
Reacting to the agency’s recent gestures, a DSS insider noted: “This is the third DG since the unfortunate incident. We were overjoyed when the current DG approved payment and even doubled the compensation. It shows that security agencies can act within the law and still demonstrate compassion.”
The businessman’s lawyer, Idris Akibu, had filed the case at the Federal High Court under suit number FHC/J/CS/18/2018. Justice Muhammed Shittu Abubakar subsequently ruled in the victim’s favor, ordering the DSS to pay the damages.
The DSS has since integrated the businessman into its healthcare system, granting him access to its services indefinitely.
