DSS Reveals Why It Dragged Sowore to Court Instead of Outright Arrest

The Department of State Services (DSS) has explained why it took activist Omoyele Sowore to court, saying the move was aimed at obtaining a judicial interpretation of an online post it considered defamatory towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency responded to public concerns over Sowore’s recent remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The DSS maintained that it neither arrested Sowore nor opposed his bail, insisting that his remand resulted from court proceedings and the subsequent revocation of his bail.

According to the agency, the matter began on August 25, 2025, when Sowore allegedly published a post on his 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.”

The DSS said it viewed the post as disparaging to the President. However, instead of immediately arresting Sowore, it issued a letter dated September 4, 2025, demanding that he retract the statement within one week.

The agency said this approach reflects its preference for seeking legal remedies rather than using force, citing previous cases involving media organisations and public figures where it pursued court action or requested public apologies instead of making arrests.

Explaining the basis for the case, the DSS said it filed charges against Sowore under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, pursuant to SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999 and the National Security Agencies Act of 1986.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, was filed to seek what the agency described as “a judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the President.”

The DSS also noted that Sowore was initially granted bail on self-recognition and said it did not oppose the application.

Addressing the incident that occurred at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, the agency confirmed that it has launched an internal investigation into the conduct of its operatives following a confrontation involving Sowore, correctional officials and security personnel.

The agency said: “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. 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.”