The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into the actions of its operatives following the remand of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
On Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.
Mohammed Umar, the presiding judge, issued the order after dismissing an application by Sowore seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case over alleged bias.
Earlier, on June 16, the court had revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court.
A video circulated on social media on Monday showing armed DSS operatives forcefully dragging Sowore out of the court premises after proceedings ended.
The footage sparked widespread criticism, once again drawing attention to the conduct of security personnel.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count charge over a social media post in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts.
DSS statement
In a statement issued on Tuesday, DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie said Sowore “curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service” after the incident.
Dozie also said the DSS did not oppose Sowore’s bail application in court, adding that the decision to revoke it was solely at the court’s discretion.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted concerns of some citizens over events at a Federal High Court in Abuja on 22nd June 2026, leading to the remand of Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison,” the statement said.
“Of more concern, is the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of Custodial Center and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service.
“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. Notwithstanding, it is expedient to set the records straight.”
Dozie further explained the agency’s decision to prosecute Sowore over his remarks about Tinubu.
According to him, the DSS had earlier written to Sowore in a letter dated September 4, 2025, asking him to retract the statements within one week.
He added that charges were later filed to seek “judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the president”.