Amanze Chinonye
The Department of State Services (DSS) has defended the remand of activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre, insisting that his detention resulted from court proceedings rather than actions taken by the agency, while also ordering an investigation into the conduct of operatives involved in a courtroom altercation that sparked public outrage, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said it was concerned about public reactions to events at the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 22, 2026, which culminated in Sowore’s remand.
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The agency specifically referenced scenes showing Sowore in an altercation with a correctional officer and what appeared to be a scuffle involving DSS operatives. It disclosed that the Director-General of the Service had ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of personnel linked to the incident.
Seeking to clarify its role in the case, the DSS said the matter originated from a social media post made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, in which he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over remarks allegedly made during a visit to Brazil.
According to the Service, rather than arresting the activist, it issued a letter on September 4, 2025, demanding a retraction within one week. The DSS said the approach reflected the current leadership’s preference for resolving such disputes through non-coercive means before seeking judicial interpretation where necessary.
The agency cited several previous cases to support its position, including its legal challenge against the “shadow government” initiative promoted by Professor Pat Utomi and disputes involving media reports alleging DSS operations at the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly complex.
In those instances, the Service said it pursued court action or sought public apologies instead of making arrests, adding that charges were withdrawn once corrective measures were taken.
The DSS said it subsequently filed charges against Sowore under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, seeking judicial clarification on whether the activist’s comments amounted to cyberbullying and disparagement of the President.
It further noted that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition at the commencement of the trial without the requirement of a surety, a decision the agency said it neither opposed nor challenged.
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According to the DSS, the revocation of Sowore’s bail and his subsequent remand in Kuje Prison were decisions taken by the court and not the Service.
“From the foregoing, it is clear the issues that led to his bail revocation and subsequent remand were entirely premised on court processes, as the Service neither arrested nor opposed his bail,” the statement said.
The agency reiterated its commitment to professionalism, civility and adherence to the rule of law, while assuring the public that it would continue to prioritise lawful conduct in its operations, even in the face of provocation.
The statement marks the DSS’s most detailed response yet to growing public scrutiny over Sowore’s remand, as questions continue to trail the circumstances surrounding his detention and the conduct of security operatives at the court premises.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
