The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of its operatives following the incident that accompanied the remand of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service said the Director-General directed the probe after concerns were raised over the events of June 22, 2026, which culminated in Sowore’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The DSS said it was particularly concerned about the altercation involving Sowore, an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and what appeared to be a scuffle with DSS operatives. It also noted that, at the end of the incident, Sowore opted to enter a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
While announcing the investigation, the Service defended its handling of the case, insisting that Sowore’s remand resulted solely from court proceedings and not from any action taken by the agency.
According to the statement, the case stemmed from a post Sowore made on his X and Facebook accounts on August 25, 2025, in which he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “this criminal” and accused him of lying about corruption in Nigeria.
The DSS said that instead of immediately arresting Sowore, it first wrote to him on September 4, 2025, demanding that he retract the statement within one week. It explained that the approach reflected the current leadership’s preference for resolving such matters without the use of force, resorting to the courts only when necessary.
The Service cited previous instances where it pursued legal remedies rather than arrests, including its challenge against the “Shadow Government” initiative promoted by Prof. Pat Utomi, which it said was subsequently declared unconstitutional by the Federal High Court. It also referenced cases involving media reports on alleged DSS invasions of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, noting that it withdrew legal actions after public apologies were issued.
The agency further stated that two of its operatives also obtained favourable court judgments in defamation and libel suits against SERAP over allegations relating to an alleged invasion by DSS personnel.
According to the DSS, charges were filed against Sowore under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, seeking judicial interpretation of whether his online remarks constituted unlawful disparagement and cyberbullying of the President.
The agency noted that Sowore was initially granted bail on self-recognition without the requirement of a surety, an arrangement it said it did not oppose and which Sowore himself publicly welcomed.
It maintained that the subsequent revocation of his bail and remand in Kuje Prison were decisions made by the court and not by the DSS.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, civility, and adherence to the rule of law, stating that it would continue to conduct its operations with restraint even in the face of provocation.
