February 5, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
ABUJA, Nigeria — A grieving mother has publicly appealed for help, alleging that her son has been held in detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) for nearly two years without trial and that the family has been denied regular access to him or updates on his legal status.
The woman identified as Mrs. Chisom Ukwuoma told Dalena Reporters on Thursday that her son, Mr. Ugonna Ukwuoma, was taken into DSS custody in April 2024 following an allegation of involvement in an incident that security authorities characterised as “a matter of national security.” She said that while the family was initially informed of his arrest, they have since been kept in the dark about official charges, court proceedings or even visitation rights.
Mrs. Ukwuoma described her family’s calls to DSS offices and official channels for updates as “fruitless,” saying she has received only vague assurances that her son’s case is under “administrative review.” She challenged the continued detention in the absence of formal charges or a court appearance, and said that Ugonna has been unable to communicate consistently with family members during his confinement.
Under Nigerian law, authorities are required to bring detainees before a court and either charge them with a recognisable offence or release them within specified timelines. Rights advocates argue that extended detention without judicial oversight can violate constitutional protections and undermine fundamental rights.
Legal experts note that members of Nigeria’s security and intelligence services — including the DSS — may hold suspects under specific preventive detention provisions, but such powers are subject to judicial review. They emphasise that families and legal representatives must be afforded access and that suspects should be formally charged with defined offences if prosecution is to proceed.
Reacting to the mother’s appeal, a DSS spokesperson said the agency “takes its constitutional responsibilities seriously” and that matters relating to national security can involve “sensitive information and ongoing processes” that are not disclosed publicly. The spokesperson declined to comment specifically on the Ukwuoma case but reiterated that detainees are treated in accordance with applicable law and internal protocols.
Human rights organisations — including the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) — have expressed concern over the Ukwuoma family’s allegations, calling for transparency, due process, and judicial oversight. They highlighted broader concerns about prolonged detentions without trial in cases involving federal security agencies, and urged that the courts be allowed to adjudicate contested matters.
Advocates also noted that access to legal counsel and family visitation are key safeguards against abuse and help ensure that detainees’ rights are protected while investigations are ongoing. They encouraged the Ukwuoma family to pursue formal petitions to relevant bodies, including the Federal High Court and national human rights institutions.
The alleged prolonged detention has reignited debates among legal practitioners, civil society advocates and political commentators about the balance between national security imperatives and protection of individual liberties under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution — a debate that is likely to persist as calls for legal reform and accountability continue.
As of this report, the Ukwuoma family said they are seeking intervention from public interest lawyers and human rights organisations to secure transparency and ensure that constitutional safeguards are observed in the handling of the case.