The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of its operatives following the altercation that accompanied the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja and his subsequent transfer to Kuje Correctional Centre.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service said it had taken note of public concerns over the incident of June 22, 2026, particularly the confrontation involving Sowore, an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service and DSS operatives.
The DSS disclosed that its Director-General had directed an immediate probe into the alleged actions of the officers involved.
According to the statement, Sowore ultimately chose to board a DSS vehicle rather than that of the Nigerian Correctional Service after the incident.
“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,” the statement read.
The Service also defended its decision to prosecute the former presidential candidate, insisting that it followed due process and exhausted non-coercive measures before approaching the court.
It explained that 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 falsely claiming there was no corruption in Nigeria.
Rather than arrest him immediately, the DSS said it first demanded a retraction through a letter dated September 4, 2025.
“This is in line with the practice of the current DG-DSS to resolve such issues without use of force, failure to which it may resort to judicial interpretation,” the statement said.
The agency cited previous instances where it sought judicial clarification instead of making arrests, including the case involving Professor Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government initiative.
“The Federal High Court thereafter declared the Shadow Government unconstitutional,” the DSS stated.
It also referenced cases involving reports on the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly Complex, noting that it requested public apologies instead of apprehending journalists or media organisations.
“It is on record that, DSS withdrew all charges immediately after the defaulting media houses made a redress,” the statement added.
The Service further recalled that two of its operatives had successfully sued SERAP for defamation and libel over allegations of an invasion, stressing that the court ruled in their favour.
According to the DSS, the charges against Sowore were filed under the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, to seek judicial interpretation of “his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the President.”
The agency also maintained that it did not oppose Sowore’s bail application at the commencement of the trial.
“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.”
The DSS insisted that the activist’s remand was solely the outcome of judicial proceedings and not the actions of the Service.
“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.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law.
“DSS therefore assures of sustained priority to professionalism, with emphasis on civility in its operations, even at the face of provocation.”
