Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of its operatives following an incident that occurred at the Federal High Court in Abuja and led to the remand of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency said it had taken note of public concerns arising from the June 22, 2026 court proceedings, particularly scenes showing an altercation involving Sowore, a correctional officer and some DSS operatives.
According to the DSS, its Director-General directed a probe into the allegations against the operatives involved, despite what it described as Sowore’s decision to board a DSS vehicle instead of one belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service after the court proceedings.
The agency, however, sought to clarify the circumstances that culminated in the ongoing legal proceedings against the activist.
The DSS recalled that on August 25, 2025, Sowore made a post on his personal X and Facebook accounts in which he wrote: “this criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE CORRUPTION in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly.”
According to the Service, the statement was considered defamatory towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Rather than arresting Sowore, the DSS said it issued a letter dated September 4, 2025, requesting that he retract the statement within one week.
The agency explained that the move aligned with the approach of the current DSS leadership, which prefers non-coercive measures and judicial interpretation of disputes where necessary.
To support its position, the Service cited previous instances in which it sought legal remedies instead of arrests, including the case involving Prof. Pat Utomi’s proposed shadow government.
It noted that the Federal High Court eventually declared the shadow government unconstitutional after the DSS sought judicial clarification on the matter.
The DSS also referenced reports alleging that its operatives invaded the Lagos State House of Assembly and barricaded the National Assembly complex, stating that it requested public apologies from the media organisations involved rather than pursuing arrests.
According to the agency, charges in those matters were withdrawn after corrections and apologies were issued.
The Service further pointed to successful defamation suits filed by two of its operatives against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), saying the courts ruled in favour of the officers.
On the legal action against Sowore, the DSS said it instituted charges under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, through suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025.
The agency stated that the suit was filed pursuant to its powers under SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999 and the National Security Agencies Act of 1986.
According to the statement, the case seeks judicial interpretation of whether Sowore’s comments amounted to disparagement and cyberbullying of the President.
The DSS maintained that it did not oppose the activist’s bail application, noting that he was granted bail on self-recognition without a surety when the trial commenced.
It added that the circumstances leading to the revocation of his bail and subsequent remand were products of court proceedings and not actions taken by 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 statement read.
The DSS reiterated its commitment to professionalism, civility and adherence to the rule of law, assuring the public that it would continue to uphold those standards in the discharge of its responsibilities.