DSS Officer Dismissed After 19 Years Remains in Detention, Wife Appeals for Transparency

Hauwa Mundi, wife of former Department of State Services (DSS) personnel Ibrahim Bichi, says her husband remains in DSS custody despite being dismissed after 19 years of service.

Mundi, a Radio Nigeria journalist, said Bichi was detained on June 3, 2026, after he was instructed to report to the DSS headquarters in Abuja, reportedly for a two-day counter-terrorism training.

According to her, she later discovered that her husband’s detention was linked to a petition from the National Security Adviser concerning his social media activities and posts.

Mundi said Bichi had used social media to discuss Hausa-Fulani identity, historical issues surrounding Usman dan Fodio’s jihad, and the insecurity affecting Hausa communities in northern Nigeria.

She said Bichi was questioned four days after his detention but received no further explanation about his continued detention.

The wife said she was initially unable to establish where her husband was being held and became concerned after DSS officials appeared uncertain about his presence when she went to visit him.

She eventually gained weekly access to him and said he initially appeared to have lost weight and had been ill. However, she said he later looked healthier and that she had no evidence that he had been physically mistreated.

Mundi said the family later engaged a lawyer who requested access to Bichi and sought an explanation for his continued detention. According to her, the requests were not granted and the DSS did not respond to subsequent demands for his release.

She said Bichi was eventually informed of his dismissal, which took effect on July 28, after 19 years of service.

“He gave them 19 years of his life,” Mundi said, insisting that her husband had never previously received a query during his years of service.

She appealed to the DSS and the Federal Government to clarify the reasons for his dismissal and continued detention, saying the uncertainty had placed enormous emotional and financial pressure on the family.

Mundi also expressed concern over what she described as accusations portraying her husband as a terrorist or comparing him with separatist figures.

She said her immediate priority was for Bichi to be released or formally charged in court if the authorities believe he committed a criminal offence.

“My children will start school in September. I don’t have money to put them in school,” she said, describing the situation as financially and emotionally draining for the family.

Mundi said Bichi could challenge his dismissal if he believes it was unjustified, but stressed that his immediate release remains the family’s priority.

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