THE Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following an incident involving activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The decision follows public criticism sparked by a video that circulated on social media yesterday, showing armed DSS operatives engaged in a confrontation with Sowore inside the court premises.
In the footage, the operatives were seen escorting him out of the building while preventing his supporters from approaching.
In a statement issued by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the DSS said it viewed the incident with concern and had initiated an internal review to determine the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
The agency, however, maintained that there were aspects of the incident that required clarification.
According to the DSS, Sowore allegedly chose to enter a DSS vehicle rather than a vehicle belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service after a disagreement with correctional officers.
Providing background to the ongoing court case, the Service explained that the matter stemmed from a social media post made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, in which he criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The DSS said it initially requested a retraction through a letter dated September 4, 2025, rather than immediately pursuing enforcement action.
The agency noted that under the current leadership, it has increasingly sought judicial interpretation in contentious matters rather than relying on arrests.
It cited previous cases involving the proposed “Shadow Government” initiative championed by Pat Utomi, as well as disputes involving media organizations and civil society groups, where legal processes were pursued instead of direct enforcement actions.
According to the DSS, charges were eventually filed against Sowore under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, seeking judicial clarification on whether his statements constituted cyberbullying or unlawful disparagement of the president.
The Service also pointed out that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition at the start of the proceedings without the requirement of a surety, a move it said it did not oppose.
The DSS further argued that the issues leading to the revocation of Sowore’s bail and his subsequent remand were matters arising from court proceedings rather than actions initiated by the Service itself.
While the investigation continues, the DSS reiterated its commitment to professionalism, adherence to the rule of law and civility in carrying out its operations, even under challenging circumstances.
