- Safiu Kehinde
The Department of State Services (DSS) has made clarifications over the remand of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and his altercation with its personnel.
Sowore was on Tuesday remanded in Kuje Prison as ordered by the Federal High Court during the resumed hearing of the alleged cyberbullying case filed against him by the DSS.
Altercation would however ensue between Sowore and the security personnel attached to him as a viral video posted on social media captured moment he was dragged out of the court room by the DSS operatives.
The 2027 African Action Congress (AAC) Presidential candidate refused being taken to the correctional centre with the Nigerian Correctional Service’s (NCoS) Black Maria van.
While he had opted to follow the DSS vehicle, his supporters however accused the security personnel of kidnapping him.
Reacting to the allegation in a statement issued on Monday by its, Favour Dozie, the DSS explained the circumstances that led to the remand of the activist, recalling the social media post where he called President Bola Tinubu a criminal.
The DSS maintained that it resolved settle the issue without the use of force which prompted its letter to Sowore.
“Of more concern, is the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of Custodial Center and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service.
“Although at the end of the saga, he curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service, the Director General has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of Service operatives involved in the incident. Notwithstanding, it is expedient to set the records straight.
“On 25th August 2025, Omoyele Sowore, made a post on his personal X and Facebook handles, wherein he stated “this criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE CORRUPTION in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly.”
“Thus, disparaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and embelishing his statement. Rather than resort to arrest, the Service, in a letter dated 4th September, 2025 demanded a retraction within one week.” The statement partly read.
The DSS held that the new practice is line with its Director-General’s directive of resolving issues without the use of force.
The agency recalled similar cases involving former presidential aspirant, Pat Utomi, and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) group.
“Specifically, in the case of Prof. Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government, the Service sought a judicial explanation even without any arrest or invitation.
“The Federal High Court thereafter declared the Shadow Government unconstitutional. Also, the false publications on Lagos State House of Assembly invasion by Service operatives and a similar report by Order Paper, alleging a barricade of the National Assembly Complex, the Service demanded a public apology rather than apprehend anyone in both instances.
“It is on record that, DSS withdrew all charges immediately after the defaulting media houses made a redress.
“In the same vein, two Service operatives sought judicial redress and won their cases against SERAP for defamation and libel on their false alarm of an invasion by the said operatives. In this case also, the Court delivered judgment in favour of the said operatives. In all these, the Service maintained its hygiene and adherence to rule of law.” The security agency wrote.
The DSS claimed to have adopted similar approach in Sowore’s case.
It disclosed that the activist was initially granted bail without any objection by its counsels.
The bail, according to the DSS, was however revoked by court processes.
“Therefore, in line with SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999, made pursuant to NSA Act of 1986, the Service filed charges against Sowore for contravening section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Amendment Act, 2024 in a suit FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025 seeking a judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the President.
“The public may wish to note that, Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition even without a surety at the commencement of the trial, a position the Service did not oppose and even Sowore applauded the development.
“From the foregoing, it is clear the issues that led to his bail revocation and subsequent remand were entirely premised on the court processes, as the Service neither arrested nor opposed his bail.
“DSS therefore assures of sustained priority to professionalism, with emphasis on civility in its operations, even at the face of provocation.” The DSS stated.