A human rights activist, Adamu Kabiru Adamu, has petitioned the Director-General of the Department of State Services over alleged inhumane treatment, prolonged detention and disregard for court orders at the agency’s custody facilities in Abuja.
In an open letter dated March 4, 2026, and addressed to the DSS boss in Abuja, the activist expressed “grave concern” over what he described as a persistent pattern of detaining individuals for weeks and, in some cases, months without formally charging them before a competent court of law.
Adamu alleged that many detainees were being denied access to legal representation, family members and necessary medical care.
He stressed that access to a lawyer was a fundamental right and not a privilege granted at the discretion of a detaining authority, warning that obstructing such access could amount to a gross violation of human rights and a breach of due process.
The activist reminded the agency that protecting democracy, upholding accountability and safeguarding constitutional order were among its core mandates, noting that any violation of fundamental human rights, including unlawful detention or disobedience of valid court orders, would contradict its constitutional responsibilities.
Citing provisions of the Constitution, he said Nigerians were guaranteed the rights to personal liberty, fair hearing and dignity of the human person. He also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under regional and international human rights instruments prohibiting arbitrary detention and torture.
According to him, continued detention without charge, refusal to comply with lawful court orders granting bail or release, and alleged degrading treatment could erode public confidence in security institutions and weaken democratic governance.
Adamu called for an immediate review of all cases involving prolonged detention without charge, unhindered access to legal counsel and family members for all detainees, and full compliance with existing court orders.
He further demanded an independent and transparent investigation into allegations of torture and unlawful detention within DSS custody facilities, as well as the immediate release of persons detained without lawful justification.
“National security must never be used as a pretext for trampling on constitutional rights,” he said, adding that security and human rights were mutually reinforcing pillars of a democratic society.
The DSS had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
