Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Department of State Services has ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of its operatives following a chaotic scene at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, where human rights activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was remanded in custody. The agency's decision came after viral videos showed tense confrontations between DSS operatives and Sowore's supporters, as well as an altercation between security personnel and officials of the custodial centre, raising serious questions about the enforcement of a court order that had explicitly directed Sowore's remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Mohammed Umar had revoked Sowore's bail and ordered that he be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the hearing of his application for a stay of execution of the court's order. The court also dismissed an application by Sowore requesting the judge's recusal over alleged bias and adjourned the matter to June 24, 2026, for hearing of the stay application. However, shortly after proceedings concluded, DSS operatives stormed the courtroom and forcibly took control of the activist, dragging him away while blocking his supporters from gaining access. Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment fully kitted DSS operatives aggressively seized Sowore and moved him out of the court premises. The incident sparked immediate outrage, with Sowore's supporters accusing the DSS of forcefully arresting and injuring him despite the court's specific directive that he be handed over to the correctional service.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DSS acknowledged public concerns over the events of June 22 and confirmed that an internal investigation had been ordered. The agency's Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said the service was particularly concerned about "the scene depicting Sowore's altercation with an official of Custodial Center and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service". The DSS noted that although Sowore "curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service" at the end of the saga, the Director General had ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of service operatives involved in the incident. The agency insisted that the remand followed court processes rather than enforcement action by the service, pointing out that Sowore had been granted bail on self-recognition without a surety at the commencement of the trial, a position the DSS did not oppose.
Sowore's supporters, however, have dismissed the DSS's explanation, insisting that the court had specifically ordered his remand in a correctional facility and not in the custody of either the DSS or the police. Speaking to journalists, the Federal Capital Territory Chairman of the AAC, Agena Roberts Ande, condemned the actions of the DSS and called for strict adherence to the court's order. "Today we came to court, and as you rightly know, there was an order from the court that Sowore should be provided in court. A bench warrant was given, Sowore accepted, and came to court by himself. Nobody forced him to come to court," Ande said. "And then a judgment was given that Sowore should be handed to the Correctional Service. The DSS went behind and kidnapped Sowore in court, even injuring him".
The case stems from allegations by the DSS that Sowore made false and defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu, including describing him as a "criminal" in posts shared on X and Facebook. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The remand order followed an earlier bench warrant issued after Sowore failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on June 16. His legal team has argued that the absence was due to Sowore consulting with his new lead counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, who had formally briefed the court on the matter.
Before the remand order was issued, Sowore told journalists that he was prepared for the outcome and remained resolute in his activism. "Nobody should be surprised. I have predicted before now that all these things would happen. But they are happening for a good reason: somebody must make the sacrifice that will liberate this country," he said. He later took to social media to reiterate his resolve, stating: "I urge the Nigerian people and all our comrades to remain resolute, steadfast, and unyielding in the quest for a genuine revolution that will liberate our country from oppression, injustice, and misrule".
The DSS, in its statement, assured the public of its sustained priority to professionalism, with emphasis on civility in its operations, "even at the face of provocation". However, human rights groups and civil society organisations have questioned the necessity of the DSS action, arguing that the enforcement appeared "excessive and unnecessary" and raised concerns about possible abuse of power and intimidation of opposition voices. Some critics have pointed fingers at DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, alleging political bias and increasing executive interference in the handling of the matter.
Sowore will remain in custody until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when legal proceedings are scheduled to resume. The outcome of the DSS's internal investigation into the conduct of its operatives remains to be seen, but the incident has already deepened concerns about the relationship between security agencies and the judiciary in Nigeria's increasingly contentious political landscape.
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