The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied responsibility for the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Custodial Centre, insisting that the decision originated from judicial proceedings and not from any action taken by the security agency. The clarification follows public debate surrounding the circumstances that led to the Sowore DSS remand after events at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS maintained that the court’s decisions alone led to the revocation of Sowore’s bail and his subsequent detention.
According to the agency, it neither arrested Sowore in relation to the current proceedings nor opposed his bail application when the matter first came before the court. The DSS stressed that the circumstances surrounding Sowore’s DSS remand were entirely products of court processes and should not be attributed to the agency.
The security agency also disclosed that its Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, had directed an immediate investigation into the conduct of DSS personnel captured in videos circulating online from proceedings held at the Federal High Court on June 22. The videos showed Sowore involved in a confrontation with a Nigerian Correctional Service official, while another scene appeared to show a physical altercation involving security operatives.
The DSS acknowledged public concerns over the incident and confirmed that the behaviour of personnel seen in the footage would be reviewed. The agency noted that following the courtroom drama, Sowore eventually entered a DSS vehicle rather than a correctional service vehicle.
Providing background to the case, the DSS said the matter originated from social media posts allegedly made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, concerning President Bola Tinubu after comments attributed to the president during a visit to Brazil. Rather than immediately effect an arrest, the agency said it first pursued a less confrontational approach.
According to the statement, a letter dated September 4, 2025, was sent to Sowore demanding a retraction of the comments within one week. The DSS said the move reflected the operational philosophy of its current leadership, which prioritises dialogue and judicial remedies before considering enforcement actions.
The agency disclosed that it subsequently filed charges under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The case, filed as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, was intended to allow the court determine whether Sowore’s statements about the president violated provisions of the law. The DSS emphasized that Sowore remand should be viewed within the context of ongoing legal proceedings rather than as an independent action by the agency.
To reinforce its position, the agency pointed to several previous disputes it handled through the courts rather than through arrests. Among the examples cited was litigation involving the Shadow Government initiative championed by political economist Pat Utomi. According to the DSS, it sought judicial interpretation of the matter without arresting or inviting those involved.
The agency also referenced controversies surrounding reports of alleged DSS invasions of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly complex. It stated that in those cases, it requested public corrections and later withdrew legal actions after apologies were issued. Additionally, the DSS highlighted defamation and libel suits instituted by two of its operatives against SERAP, noting that the courts eventually ruled in favour of the officers.
The DSS further stressed that Sowore was initially granted bail on self-recognition without the requirement of a surety and that the agency did not oppose the application. According to the statement, the activist himself publicly welcomed the bail decision at the time. The agency maintained that its handling of the case demonstrates its commitment to lawful procedures and due process.
As public attention remains focused on Sowore’s DSS remand, the security agency has reiterated that the decision to revoke his bail and order his detention was made by the court and not by the DSS. The agency also pledged to conclude its investigation into the conduct of operatives involved in the courtroom incident while continuing to operate within the framework of the law and professional standards.
