Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, a retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), has apologised to Oluwatosin Ajayi, the agency’s director-general, for leaking an internal matter to an online news platform.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, reported
that Ezeakolam, in a letter dated September 22, 2026, expressed regret over his
decision to take an internal issue to the media, describing it as a serious
error of judgment.
He appealed to Ajayi to forgive him and resolve the matter
internally, insisting that he never intended to harm or embarrass 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.
“It was never my intention to cause any harm to your
esteemed self or the exalted office of the DGSS; or to expose you to legal
difficulties. I recognise that internal matters are sensitive in nature and
should not have been made available publicly.”
Ezeakolam apologised for any harm or embarrassment his
actions may have caused the DSS leadership, adding that the incident had taught
him an important lesson.
He noted that he remains loyal to the federal government,
saying he neither participated in nor intended to participate in activities
inimical to the country’s security.
The retired officer also pleaded with the director-general
to temper justice with mercy and settle the matter internally.
Makama also reported that Ezeakolam, through his lawyer,
Edmund C. Ben, principal partner of Lawminds Associates, demanded the
retraction of the publication dated June 29, 2026, which he said contained
inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims.
The law firm’s letter, dated October 16, 2026, expressed
concern over statements it said denigrated the office of the DSS
director-general and the Association of Retired Officers of the Department of
State Services of Nigeria (ARODSSON).
“While we recognise the fundamental role of the media in
promoting transparency, accountability, and public discourse, we also emphasise
the importance of responsible journalism, factual accuracy, fairness, and the
right of individuals to respond to publications that may adversely affect their
reputation,” the letter stated.
The law firm asked the media outfit to publish Ezeakolam’s
official response to the allegations contained in the June 29 report.
It also demanded the correction and retraction of any claims
found to be inaccurate, misleading or unsupported by verifiable evidence.
The lawyers gave the platform seven days from receipt of the
letter to respond, warning that failure to comply could lead to further legal
action.
The dispute centres on the publication of an internal matter
involving the DSS leadership and the subsequent demand for a retraction.
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