Ex-DSS officer apologizes for internal leak, demands retraction from media platform - ITREALMS

A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has formally tendered an apology to the Director General of the Service, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and the Association of Retired Officers of the Department of State Services (ARODSSON) over the unauthorized leakage of internal administrative matters to an online news outlet, Saharareporters, reports ITREALMS.

In addition to his direct apology to the service leadership, the retired officer has issued a seven-day ultimatum through his legal counsel, Edmund C. Ben of Lawminds Associates, demanding a full retraction and correction of the publication, which he contends contains factual inaccuracies and misleading assertions.

The legal correspondence, dated October 16, 2026, criticized the online medium’s June 29, 2026 report for denigrating the exalted office of the DSS Director General and the retired officers' association. 

While acknowledging the crucial watchdog role of the media in a democratic society, the lawyers stressed that responsible journalism requires factual accuracy, contextual fairness, and respect for individual reputation.

The legal demand requires the platform to publish an official response from the retired officer alongside prompt corrections of any unsubstantiated claims, warning that failure to comply within the stipulated seven-day window will compel further legal action.

In his personal letter of contrition addressed to the Director General and dated September 22, 2026, Ezeakolam expressed profound regret for what he described as a severe error in judgment, admitting that sensitive internal matters should never have been subjected to public discourse.

"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," Ezeakolam stated in the letter.

He clarified that his actions were never intended to cause professional embarrassment to the Director General or undermine the operational integrity of the intelligence service. 

Reaffirming his lifelong dedication to national security, Ezeakolam pledged his unwavering allegiance to the Federal Government of Nigeria and implored the service leadership to temper justice with mercy in resolving the matter internally.