DSS to probe operatives over removal of Sowore from court
Tosin Ajayi, the Director General of the Department of States Service (DSS) has ordered an investigation into the conduct of operatives who removed Omoyele Sowore, activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) from court premises.
On Monday, a federal high court in Abuja ordered the remand of Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.
Mohammed Umar, the presiding judge, made the order after dismissing an application by Sowore seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on grounds of alleged bias.
On June 16, the court revoked the bail granted Sowore and issued an arrest warrant following the activist’s absence from court.
In a video posted on social media on Monday, some armed DSS officials were seen violently dragging Sowore out of the hallway at the end of the court’s proceedings.
The video sparked criticisms, with the searchlight yet again beaming on the conduct of security operatives.
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.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Favour Dozie, DSS spokesperson, said after the saga, Sowore “curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service”.
Dozie said the DSS did not oppose Sowore’s bail in court, adding that the revocation was entirely based on 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 reads.
“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 explained why the agency is prosecuting Sowore over his comments against Tinubu.
The DSS spokesperson said the agency asked Sowore to retract his remarks within one week in a letter dated September 4, 2025.
Dozie said charges were subsequently filed against Sowore to seek “judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the president”.
