The Department of State Service (DSS) has stated that its operatives were not involved in the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election. This clarification comes in response to viral media reports alleging DSS involvement.
A senior official from the service, speaking to Daily Trust, emphasized that they would use legal means if necessary against any individual.
Sowore was arrested Sunday morning at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos by Nigerian Immigration officials but was later released. He reported that upon arrival from the USA, his passport was seized, and he was informed he would be detained.
After a few hours, Sowore announced on his official X handle that he had been released and received his passport back.
The DSS official also revealed that Sowore had previously been on their watchlist but has since been removed. “I want to categorically state that our officers were not involved in his arrest; Nigerians should disregard the rumors of DSS involvement,” the source stated.
Efforts to contact the DSS for further comment were unsuccessful, as calls to the service’s number did not connect, and an emailed inquiry had not been answered by the time of this report.
