By Our Reporter
A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for leaking an internal matter to the media, while threatening legal action against SaharaReporters over its publication on the issue.
Ezeakolam, in a letter dated September 22, 2026, expressed regret over his decision to make the internal matter public, describing it as an error of judgment.
He appealed to the DSS director-general to forgive him and resolve the matter internally, insisting that he never intended to embarrass Ajayi or expose his office to legal difficulties.
“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 stated.
The retired officer also reaffirmed his allegiance to the Federal Government, pledging not to engage in activities inimical to Nigeria’s national security.
However, through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben of Lawminds Associates, Ezeakolam has demanded that SaharaReporters retract what he described as inaccurate and unsubstantiated claims in its June 29, 2026 publication concerning the DSS director-general and the association of retired DSS officers, ARODSSON.
In a letter dated October 16, 2026, the law firm urged the online publication to correct any misleading information and publish its client’s official response to the report.
The lawyers acknowledged the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability but stressed the need for factual accuracy, fairness and responsible journalism.
They gave SaharaReporters seven days from receipt of the letter to respond appropriately, warning that failure to comply could prompt further legal action.
The demand for retraction comes amid Ezeakolam’s separate appeal to the DSS leadership for forgiveness over his disclosure of the internal matter.
SaharaReporters’ response to the demand was not contained in the information available at the time of filing this report.
Editorial note: Before publication, verify the precise name of the retired officers’ association and whether SaharaReporters has responded to the demand. The story presents the allegations of inaccuracy as the complainant’s position, not as established fact. NNL.
