DSS: New DG’s Arrival Marks End of Bichi’s Reign of Tyranny, Claims Human Rights Advocate Ejiofor

Bichi’s tenure, which began on September 14, 2018, under President Muhammadu Buhari administration, has come to an abrupt and ignominious conclusion on August 26, 2024. The departure of Bichi, who was widely criticized for his tyrannical leadership, has sparked celebrations that seem to symbolize the end of a dark era for the agency.

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate, has sharply criticized Bichi’s leadership, calling it a “colossal failure” marked by egregious violations of civil rights and flagrant disregard for the rule of law. In a statement released today, Ejiofor highlights the stark contrast between the outgoing and incoming leadership, emphasizing the profound relief among the staff at the prospect of a new direction for the agency.

Bichi has been accused of transforming the DSS into a tool of oppression rather than a protector of citizens’ rights. His tenure has been marred by accusations of unlawful detentions, extrajudicial actions, and a systematic campaign against the Igbo ethnic group, which Ejiofor describes as being particularly targeted and subjected to enforced disappearances.

Under Bichi’s command, the DSS became infamous for its disregard for legal norms and human rights. Ejiofor recounts personal tragedies, including the brutal murder of his personal assistant, Samuel Okoro, during a violent raid, and the abduction of his wards, Felix Okonkwo, Ikenna Chibuike, and Okafor Lawrence Ugochukwu. Despite existing court orders, these individuals were secretly transferred to Wawa Barracks in Niger State, where they remain in solitary confinement. This flagrant violation of legal orders highlights the broader issues of abuse and mismanagement that plagued Bichi’s tenure.

The massive celebrations following Bichi’s departure indicate widespread discontent with his leadership and a hopeful anticipation for change. The poor treatment of both detainees and SSS staff under Bichi’s rule has evidently left a deep scar, contributing to the fervent welcome of the new DG, Mr. Adeola Ajayi.

Ajayi, who has been lauded for his democratic credentials and reputation for integrity, faces the formidable task of reforming the DSS and addressing the legacy of his predecessor. Ejiofor’s statement underscores the critical need for Ajayi to prioritize the review of wrongful detentions and to act swiftly to release individuals who have been unlawfully held. The incoming DG is seen as a beacon of hope for restoring the agency’s credibility and ensuring respect for human rights.

Ejiofor’s call to action is a reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform within the DSS. The human rights community and the Nigerian public at large will be closely watching Ajayi’s actions in the coming months, hoping that his leadership will bring about meaningful and positive changes.

As the nation braces for a new chapter under the new DG, the overarching hope is that Mr. Adeola Ajayi will rise to the occasion, address the systemic issues left by Bichi, and usher in a new era of justice and respect for human rights within the DSS.

Ejiofor’s statement reads:

CELEBRATIONS AMONG STATE SECURITY SERVICE (SSS) PERSONNEL OVER NEW DG APPOINTMENT — A SIGN THAT THE FORMER DG WAS A COLOSSAL FAILURE AND TYRANT:

I have been observing the overwhelming jubilation seen in this video among the personnel of the State Security Service following the announcement of the new Director General and the sudden removal of the former DG, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, who held sway at the helms of affairs of the Service, since his appointment by Buhari administration on 14th September, 2018, till his unceremonious resignation on August 26th, 2024.

The loud celebration marking the departure of this despot, signals the unceremonious end of an infamous tenure; an era marked by the most egregious violations of citizens’ civil rights, disregard for constitutional orders, and blatant contempt for the rule of law.

Under his leadership, the institution was operated as an entity separate from those established, defined and recognised by our existing laws.

Also during his unpopular tenure, the Igbo people were particularly targeted, vilified, and subjected to enforced disappearances. Innocent individuals were ruthlessly hunted down, and many have been missing without a trace to this day.

Under Bichi’s watch, my PA- Samuel Okoro, was brutally murdered during a bloody invasion of my ancestral home, and three of my wards namely – Felix Okonkwo, Ikenna Chibuike and Okafor Lawrence Ugochukwu, were abducted in the dead of the night by those specifically assigned to carry out the hatchet assignment; they were briefly detained at the State Security Service headquarters in Abuja, and despite subsisting court orders, were secretly transferred to Wawa Barracks in Niger State, where they are currently held in solitary confinement in clear violation of successive orders of court.
Today, thousands of Igbo men and women, young and old, are illegally detained in SSS custody under Bichi’s command, denied the opportunity to be tried in any court of law.
Welfare of the personnel of the Service was grossly undermined during this despotic tenure, no wonder the wild celebrations that greeted his unceremonious exit.

While I do not condone or support those who commit heinous crimes against humanity under any guise, I have always maintained that such criminals should be carefully identified and dealt with according to the law.

Based on the reputable track record of the current DG, he appears to be a true democrat — tested, trusted, and deserving of support and encouragement from every quarters. Although it will require significant political will and courage to clean up the mess left by his predecessor, but the unprecedented jubilation among the personnel suggests that he will succeed and succeed overwhelmingly.

As a member of the human rights community, I believe Mr. Adeola Ajayi should receive the full cooperation, respect, and support necessary to succeed, especially during these challenging times when insecurity is rampant across all spectrums of the Nigerian state.

I respectfully appeal to the incoming DG to use the machineries of his good offices to profile those wrongfully arrested and still detained illegally, and to order for their immediate and unconditional release.

We pray that the current DG will succeed and surpass all expectations.

Signed:
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
August 29, 2024