A barrage of allegations has rocked the Department of State Services (DSS), with former Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi at the centre of a nepotism and misconduct storm. UK-based journalist Jaafar Jaafar has levelled damning accusations against Bichi, detailing a litany of abuses that have sparked calls for a comprehensive probe and a radical overhaul of the agency.
Jaafar's exposé paints a disturbing picture of an institution in disarray, with Bichi accused of compromising recruitment standards and subverting the agency's rigorous vetting processes. The journalist alleges that Bichi populated the DSS with unqualified personnel, including individuals with dubious qualifications from Cotonou.
Furthermore, Jaafar claims that Bichi extended the tenure of favoured directors, stifling the career aspirations of younger officers and entrenching a culture of cronyism. The former DSS chief's wife has also been accused of wielding undue influence, interfering in recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
Jaafar's scathing critique has prompted demands for a "factory reset" of the DSS, with the newly appointed Director-General urged to restore professionalism and prevent family members from meddling in agency affairs.
As the allegations continue to simmer, the DSS and Bichi remain silent, fueling speculation about the veracity of Jaafar's claims. The development comes as President Bola Tinubu has appointed new Directors-General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the DSS, sparking hopes of a fresh start for the beleaguered agency.