The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following the events that unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja and the subsequent remand of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at Kuje Correctional Centre.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency said it had taken note of public concerns surrounding the incident, particularly videos showing Sowore in an altercation with a correctional officer and an apparent scuffle involving security personnel.
The DSS disclosed that its Director-General had directed an immediate inquiry into the alleged actions of operatives seen during the incident.
“Of more concern is the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of the Custodial Centre and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service,” the statement said.
The agency, however, noted that despite the controversy, Sowore eventually chose to leave the court premises in a DSS vehicle rather than one belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service.
While announcing the investigation, the DSS sought to clarify its role in the case, insisting that Sowore’s remand resulted from court proceedings and not any action taken by the Service.
According to the agency, the legal dispute began after Sowore allegedly made a social media post on August 25, 2025, in which he criticised President Bola Tinubu.
The DSS said it initially pursued a non-confrontational approach by requesting a retraction through a letter dated September 4, 2025, instead of effecting an arrest.
The statement quoted the post as saying: “This criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE CORRUPTION in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly.”
The Service maintained that its decision to seek a retraction was consistent with the current leadership’s preference for resolving disputes through dialogue and legal processes rather than force.
To support its position, the DSS cited previous instances where it pursued judicial remedies instead of arrests, including litigation involving Prof. Pat Utomi’s proposed shadow government, media reports alleging invasions of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, as well as a defamation suit involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
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According to the agency, court judgments in those cases were secured through legal processes without the arrest of those involved.
The DSS further stated that it subsequently filed charges against Sowore under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, seeking judicial interpretation of whether the remarks constituted cyberbullying and unlawful online conduct against the President.
The agency noted that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition at the commencement of the trial and stressed that it did not oppose the court’s decision.
“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 statement said.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, rule of law and civility in carrying out its duties, adding that it would continue to uphold those principles even in difficult circumstances.
The agency also assured the public that the ongoing investigation would review the conduct of its operatives involved in the court incident.