TD A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and an association of retired DSS officers over the publication of an internal matter on an online news platform.
In a letter dated September 22, 2026, Ezeakolam expressed regret over his decision to take the internal issue to the media.
He described it as a serious error of judgment.
He appealed to the DSS Director-General to forgive him and allow the matter to be resolved internally.
He insisted that he never intended to cause harm or embarrassment to 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.
Ezeakolam Makes Public acknowledgement
Ezeakolam acknowledged the sensitive nature of internal security matters, admitting that the issue should not have been made public.
According to him, his actions were not intended to harm the Director-General personally.
They were also not meant to undermine the authority of his office or expose him to legal difficulties.
“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,” he stated.
Ezeakolam further apologised for any harm or embarrassment his actions might have caused the DSS leadership, adding that the experience had taught him an important lesson.
Ex-Officer Reaffirms Loyalty to Federal Government
The retired DSS officer also reaffirmed his allegiance to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He declared that he had neither participated in nor intended to engage in activities detrimental to the country’s security.
“My allegiance is and will remain wholly to the Federal Government of Nigeria as a retired officer.
“I have never participated and will never participate in any act that is inimical to the security of this nation,” Ezeakolam said.
He subsequently appealed to the Director-General to temper justice with mercy and resolve the matter through internal channels rather than pursuing further action.
Ezeakolam Demands Retraction of SaharaReporters Publication
Ezeakolam, has, meanwhile begun a separate development through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, principal partner of Lawminds Associates.
He demanded the retraction or correction of a SaharaReporters publication dated June 29, 2026.
The retired officer reportedly challenged the accuracy of the report.
He alleged that it contained misleading and unsubstantiated claims concerning the DSS Director-General and the Association of Retired DSS Officers of Nigeria (ARODSSON).
In a letter dated October 16, 2026, Lawminds Associates expressed concern over the statements credited to SaharaReporters.
It said the statements denigrated the office of the DSS Director-General and the retired officers’ association.
The law firm acknowledged the media’s important role in promoting transparency, accountability and public discourse.
It, however, stressed that these responsibilities must be balanced with factual accuracy, fairness and respect for the reputations of individuals mentioned in publications.
“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.
Lawyers Give SaharaReporters Seven Days to Respond
Lawminds Associates requested that SaharaReporters publish Ezeakolam’s official response to the allegations contained in the June 29 report.
The lawyers also demanded the correction or retraction of any claims found to be inaccurate, misleading or unsupported by verifiable evidence.
They gave the media platform seven days from receipt of the letter to respond to the demands.
They warned that failure to do so could prompt further legal action from Ezeakolam.
“Should your newspaper fail to respond appropriately within seven days from the receipt of this letter, we reserve the right to consider further lawful steps available to address the matter,” the lawyers stated.
The demand signals a potential legal dispute over the publication’s contents.
It, meanwhile, seeks an opportunity to respond to the allegations and have any demonstrably inaccurate claims corrected or withdrawn.
SaharaReporters’ Response
SaharaReporters’ response to the demand was not included in the correspondence provided.
It therefore remains unclear whether the platform has agreed to publish the retired officer’s response, correct or retract the disputed claims, or contest the demands.
The matter centres on the disclosure of an internal issue involving the DSS leadership and the subsequent apology of Ezeakolam.
It also centres on his separate demand for a correction or retraction of the media report.
The allegations against the publication and the requested remedies remain attributable to Ezeakolam and his legal representatives unless independently established.
