Kano Assault on an Elderly Woman, Sowore’s Detention, and Ajaero’s Arrest: Time to End the DSS Leadership Cycle, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

The Assault on an Elderly Woman in Kano, the Unjust Detention of Omoyele Sowore, and the Arbitrary Arrest of Joe Ajaero: A Urgent Call for Breaking the Cycle with New Leadership Outside the DSS.

The recurring abuses of power under the Department of State Services (DSS) have once again come to light through the recent brutalization of an elderly woman in Kano, the politically charged detention of activist Omoyele Sowore, and the unjust arrest of labor leader Joe Ajaero. These incidents reveal a troubling pattern of human rights violations and authoritarian overreach that continue under the current DSS leadership. It’s time to rethink the deeply entrenched system within the DSS by appointing leadership from outside its ranks—someone with fresh perspectives, untainted by the old mentality, and equipped with expertise in criminal justice, intelligence, and democratic governance. This is a critical step towards reforming Nigeria’s security apparatus and restoring public trust.

In a deeply troubling pattern that reveals the rot in Nigeria’s security institutions, the Department of State Services (DSS) has consistently exhibited behaviors that undermine the nation’s democratic values and trample on the basic rights of its citizens. Through three recent incidents, we can draw a stark psychological profile of institutional attitude disorder, human rights abuses, and the overwhelming corruption that plagues the DSS.

The Assault on an Elderly Woman: Disrespect for Human Dignity:

The disturbing video of DSS operatives assaulting an elderly woman in the Badawa community of Kano State is a chilling example of the degradation of human rights under Nigeria’s security services. The physical harassment of this vulnerable woman over a town planning dispute—allegedly to prevent a gutter from passing near the house of a DSS assistant director—speaks volumes about the warped mentality of those in power. Worse still, reports suggest that DSS personnel shot and reportedly killed a man from the same community over this trivial issue, underlining their disregard for life.

Psychologically, this incident exposes an attitude disorder deeply ingrained in Nigeria’s security forces, where authority figures exhibit a sense of entitlement, dominance, and a blatant disregard for the rights of ordinary citizens. The elderly, a group that traditionally commands respect in African cultures, are being dehumanized by state operatives. The psychological impact on the community, especially regarding the trauma inflicted on witnesses and victims, is profound. Citizens who should feel protected by their government are left terrorized by those meant to serve and uphold the law.

This event mirrors a larger trend within the DSS: a culture of impunity and an institutionalized belief that they are above the law. This attitude disorder within the DSS is not only a violation of human rights but also a symptom of deeper psychological dysfunction in the agency. It reveals how unchecked power fosters an environment where basic human decency is abandoned.

The Detention of Omoyele Sowore: Political Vendettas over National Security:

The detention of activist Omoyele Sowore upon his return to Nigeria from the United States reveals another dimension of the DSS’s psychological dysfunction. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) held Sowore at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, following a DSS directive. His passport was seized, and he was detained under the watchful eye of security operatives. This follows his outspoken criticism of the government, especially his leadership in the #RevolutionNow movement and the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The DSS’s swift action against Sowore—upgrading his watchlist status and coordinating his arrest—speaks to a deep-seated attitude disorder within the agency. Rather than focusing on pressing national security threats, the DSS has been reduced to acting as an enforcer of political vendettas. From a psychological perspective, this shift from national protector to political weapon reflects institutional paranoia and insecurity. It reveals a system that feels threatened by voices of dissent and is willing to violate democratic principles to silence them.

This kind of authoritarian behavior is indicative of a security apparatus that lacks self-awareness and fails to recognize its constitutional role. Instead, it exhibits the traits of a persecutor, using fear and intimidation to stifle free expression. The ripple effect on civil society is enormous—activists are demoralized, and ordinary citizens are led to believe that their freedoms can be taken away arbitrarily. This is a textbook case of how institutional lawlessness erodes public trust and breeds resentment among the population.

The Arrest of NLC President Joe Ajaero: Institutional Lawlessness on Display:

The third incident, involving the sudden detention of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, reflects the blatant lawlessness that now characterizes Nigeria’s security agencies. Ajaero, a well-respected trade unionist, was picked up by the DSS after allegedly missing a flight. Despite having rescheduled a courtesy visit to the DSS, he was suddenly arrested in what appears to be a coordinated operation between the DSS and another agency. This move against Ajaero, who has been a staunch defender of labor rights and a vocal critic of governmental policies, represents a direct attack on the pillars of free speech and workers’ rights.

Psychologically, the DSS’s behavior here illustrates a classic case of institutional arrogance. In this instance, the agency operates with little regard for procedure, fairness, or transparency, showing a consistent pattern of attitude disorder. Rather than engaging in lawful dialogue or due process, they resort to heavy-handed tactics, indicative of an institution that has lost its moral compass. For Ajaero and those who fight for labor rights in Nigeria, this behavior sends a clear message: dissent will not be tolerated, and the rule of law is subject to the whims of those in power.

This type of institutional lawlessness has devastating psychological effects, not only on the individuals targeted but on society at large. It fosters a culture of fear, where people are left wondering who will be next. Furthermore, it normalizes authoritarian behaviors within institutions, sending the message that abusing power is acceptable, so long as it serves the interests of the ruling elite.

A Painful Continuity of Lawlessness Under New DSS Leadership:

In August 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi as the new Director-General of the DSS, succeeding Yusuf Magaji Bichi. While this change was expected to bring a fresh perspective and reform, Ajayi, a seasoned veteran within the DSS, has unfortunately continued the same patterns of operation.

Despite the new appointment, Ajayi’s deep familiarity with the agency’s entrenched culture has resulted in no significant shift from the previous regime’s practices. Under Bichi, Nigeria faced severe issues with human rights abuses, police brutality, and illegal detentions. Regrettably, Ajayi’s tenure has yet to show any meaningful departure from these troubling practices, highlighting a troubling continuity in the DSS’s approach to governance and operations.

This lack of transformation is a profound psychological blow to the Nigerian public, who remain subject to a security service that routinely violates their rights. The citizens, already disillusioned by years of lawlessness, find themselves caught in a never-ending cycle of abuse. The continuation of these practices under Ajayi’s leadership further entrenches the belief that Nigeria’s institutions are beyond repair, fostering a collective sense of hopelessness and distrust in governance.

Time for a Radical Departure: Bringing in Fresh Leadership from Outside the DSS:

It is clear that the perpetual recycling of leaders from within the DSS, each one carrying the same attitudes, practices, and mentality, has not only failed to address Nigeria’s systemic issues but has deepened them. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, another long-serving insider, reflects a stubborn refusal to break from the past. This habit of appointing from within the DSS, where the leadership remains steeped in the same toxic culture, perpetuates a cycle of abuse, corruption, and human rights violations.

The time has come for Nigeria to break this cycle. In many democratic societies, the appointment of individuals from outside the traditional structures of power brings in fresh perspectives and new ideas. Rather than continually recycling individuals who are steeped in the same corrupt culture, Nigeria must look beyond the DSS and consider appointing someone with knowledge and expertise in criminal justice, intelligence studies, diplomacy, management, and leadership skills. The introduction of an outsider with proven integrity and a commitment to democratic principles could be the key to reforming this broken institution.

President Tinubu, Nigeria must not remain stuck in the old pattern of appointing leaders from within the DSS, as this perpetuates the same flawed mentality, attitudes, and practices that have plagued the agency. It’s crucial to introduce fresh leadership from outside, bringing in individuals with expertise in criminal justice, intelligence, diplomacy, and effective management. Such leaders can guide the DSS in a new direction, restore its credibility, safeguard citizens’ rights, and realign the agency with the principles of democratic governance. This change is essential for rebuilding public trust and ensuring that Nigeria’s security services serve the people with integrity and respect.

The DSS—A Psychologically Dysfunctional Institution:

The three incidents analyzed above—the assault on the elderly woman in Kano, the detention of Omoyele Sowore, and the arrest of Joe Ajaero—are glaring examples of how the DSS has become a dysfunctional institution. What these actions reveal, beyond the specifics of each case, is a profound attitude disorder at the heart of the agency. The DSS no longer operates as a defender of national security; instead, it has become a tool for political intimidation, human rights violations, and the unchecked abuse of power.

From a psychological perspective, this institutional attitude disorder stems from a deep-rooted sense of entitlement and impunity within the agency. The lack of accountability breeds an environment where lawlessness is not only tolerated but encouraged. Moreover, the repeated violations of human rights and the resort to violence and intimidation create an atmosphere of fear and distrust among the population, further alienating citizens from their government.

With Ajayi now at the helm, carrying the same institutional baggage as his predecessor, the question remains: will the DSS ever reform? Or will it continue as a symbol of lawlessness and state-sponsored oppression? For Nigeria to reclaim its democratic principles and restore the rule of law, a thorough psychological evaluation and alteration of its security services, particularly the DSS, is essential.

The practice of promoting from within has proven ineffective, as it perpetuates the same outdated mentality and oppressive methods. To achieve real change, Nigeria must look beyond the existing ranks and consider bringing in leaders from outside the DSS. An external leader, equipped with expertise in criminal justice, intelligence, and modern governance, could offer a fresh perspective and drive genuine reform.

Without this transformative approach, the cycle of abuse, exploitation, and lawlessness will persist, keeping Nigeria’s institutions in a state of dysfunction. The public’s demand for accountability and transparency is urgent and cannot be ignored. It’s time for Nigeria to break free from the old ways and appoint leaders who can steer the nation towards justice, accountability, and true democratic governance. The status quo is unacceptable; decisive action is needed. Unayeye too much!

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. His father served 37 years with the Nigeria Police, influencing his career as a police and prison scientist. He is a consultant on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and has previously held roles as interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida.

Professor Oshodi is the Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation and the Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor.

He has taught at several universities, including Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Broward College, Lynn University, Weldios University in Benin Republic, Nexus International University in Uganda, Nova Southeastern University, and Walden University. He is a human rights psychologist focused on issues in African contexts.