Amnesty International has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch an immediate investigation into the alleged killing of two Abuja residents by one of its officers, Ajayi Abayomi. The human rights group described the incident as a “grave abuse of power” and a serious violation of human rights, stressing the need for a transparent and fair trial.
The shooting occurred on January 19, 2026, in Karmajiji community. Musa Adamu died hours after being shot, while Mallam Suleiman Salisu succumbed to his injuries on January 28 at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. A third victim, Abdullahi Ahmed, sustained injuries and remains in critical condition. Reports indicate that Abayomi, who reportedly claimed the shooting was accidental, has gone into hiding and has refused to cooperate with police investigations.
Amnesty International condemned what it described as a “reckless and unlawful use of firearms” by security personnel, warning that repeated incidents of excessive force are eroding public trust and creating fear within communities. The organisation also highlighted previous cases, including the alleged killing of a fashion designer by a DSS operative in 2023, to underscore concerns over security officers overstepping their authority in civil matters.
The human rights body urged Nigerian authorities to hold the officer accountable and rein in security agencies, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden further abuses. “Security personnel are meant to protect citizens, not terrorize them,” Amnesty said, stressing that impunity for such acts undermines both public safety and confidence in law enforcement.