A retired officer of the State Security Service, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the Director-General of the agency, Oluwatosin Ajayi, for taking an internal matter to an online media platform, describing his action as a serious error of judgment.
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Ezeakolam, however, subsequently instructed his lawyer to demand the correction and retraction of aspects of a June 29, 2026 publication which he alleged contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, Ezeakolam tendered the apology in a letter dated September 22, 2026, in which he expressed regret for making an internal issue involving the Service available to the public.
“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.
The retired officer maintained that he never intended to harm Ajayi personally, embarrass the leadership of the Service or expose the Director-General 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,” Ezeakolam stated.
He apologised for any embarrassment or damage his action might have caused the SSS leadership, saying the incident had taught him an important lesson about the handling of sensitive internal matters.
Ezeakolam also reaffirmed his loyalty to the Federal Government, maintaining that he had neither participated in nor intended to participate in any activity inimical to the security of Nigeria.
He appealed to Ajayi to temper justice with mercy and allow the matter to be resolved internally.
However, in a subsequent development, Ezeakolam, through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, Principal Partner of Lawminds Associates, challenged aspects of an online publication dated June 29, 2026, which he said contained inaccurate and unsupported claims.
The legal letter, dated October 16, 2026, expressed concern about statements which the lawyers said were capable of denigrating the office of the SSS Director-General and the Association of Retired Officers of the Department of State Services of Nigeria.
The lawyers acknowledged the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability but stressed that such responsibility must be exercised with regard to accuracy and fairness.
“While 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.
The law firm demanded that the media platform publish Ezeakolam’s official response to the allegations contained in the June 29 publication.
It also requested the correction and retraction of any claims found to be inaccurate, misleading or unsupported by verifiable evidence.
The lawyers gave the platform seven days from receipt of the letter to respond, warning that failure to comply could result in further legal action.
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