Human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor has demanded the release of Chidiebere Echefu, a father of five who has been detained by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) for over three years without trial.
Echefu, a resident of Umuogbuanu Umucheke Okwe in Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, was arrested on November 7, 2021, at his Owerri residence by DSS operatives. According to Ejimakor, Echefu has since been held in Abuja, alongside eight others, without being charged or presented in court.
### Lawyer Decries Detention
Ejimakor described Echefu’s detention as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights. “This is an appeal to the Director-General of DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, to release this young man who has been detained since November 2021 without charge. His wife and five children have suffered immensely in his absence,” Ejimakor said.
In March 2024, Ejimakor filed a lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, seeking:
– A declaration that Echefu’s continued detention is illegal and a violation of his rights.
– An order for his unconditional release.
– Compensation of ₦10 million for each of the detained individuals.
Despite these efforts, Ejimakor noted that the DSS has resisted the suit and refused to release Echefu.
The prolonged detention has left Echefu’s family struggling emotionally and financially. His wife and five children are reportedly facing severe hardship due to his absence.
“This man’s family has endured years of pain and deprivation. The DSS must respect the rule of law and release him immediately,” Ejimakor added.
The case has raised concerns about the DSS’s handling of detainees and its disregard for due process. Human rights groups have criticized the agency for detaining individuals without charge, calling for greater accountability and respect for constitutional freedoms.
Echefu’s continued detention also underscores the broader issues of arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions in Nigeria, which often occur without legal justification.
As of now, the DSS has not issued any public response to the calls for Echefu’s release or the legal actions initiated by his lawyer.
