The Department of State Services on Wednesday denied responsibility for the remand of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in Kuje Custodial Centre, insisting that his detention arose solely from court proceedings.
The agency said it neither arrested Sowore nor opposed his bail application, maintaining that the decision to revoke his bail and remand him was taken by the court.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS National Headquarters, Favour Dozie, the agency sought to clarify circumstances surrounding the activist’s remand following proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS also disclosed that its Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, had ordered an investigation into the conduct of operatives seen in videos recorded at the court premises on June 22.
The agency said it was aware of public concerns over footage showing Sowore in an altercation with an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service and what appeared to be a confrontation involving DSS personnel.
According to the statement, an immediate probe was initiated despite claims that Sowore later chose to enter a DSS vehicle instead of one belonging to the correctional service.
“From the foregoing, it is clear that the issues which led to the revocation of his bail and his subsequent remand arose entirely from court processes, as the Service neither arrested him nor opposed his bail application,” the statement read.
The DSS traced the case to August 25, 2025, when Sowore allegedly made social media posts concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following comments attributed to the President during a visit to Brazil.
Rather than arrest him, the agency said it initially opted for dialogue and issued a letter on September 4, 2025, demanding a retraction within one week.
It explained that the approach reflected the leadership style of the current DSS management, which prefers engagement and judicial processes before considering coercive measures.
The agency said it subsequently filed charges under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, seeking the court’s determination on whether Sowore’s comments breached the law.
To support its position, the DSS cited previous legal actions, including litigation involving Pat Utomi and his Shadow Government initiative, noting that it pursued judicial interpretation without making arrests.
The agency also referenced controversies surrounding alleged invasions of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly Complex by DSS operatives, saying it sought public apologies and later withdrew charges after corrections were made.
According to the DSS, the cases demonstrate its commitment to resolving disputes through lawful means and in line with the rule of law.
The agency further stressed that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition at the commencement of trial without the requirement of a surety and that it did not oppose the application.
It added that it would continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally and with restraint, regardless of provocation.
