Ex-APC Chieftain Demands Sowore’s Immediate Release, Slams DSS Over Detention

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately release activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, urging the agency to focus its efforts on tackling banditry and terrorism rather than prosecuting government critics.

Frank made the call in a statement on Tuesday, following Monday’s ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja which ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.

Describing Sowore’s detention as “a national disgrace” and “a dangerous assault on democracy,” Frank said the activist had committed no offence that justified his arrest or continued detention.

He alleged that the prosecution was politically motivated and part of an attempt to intimidate opposition politicians, journalists, civil society groups and other critics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also argued that the increasing use of security agencies against dissenting voices reflects a shrinking democratic space and rising intolerance for opposition.

“The arrest of Omoyele Sowore is a disgrace and a show of shame by the DSS. It is nothing but political victimisation and a desperate attempt to intimidate opposition leaders and silence voices of dissent in the country,” he said.

Frank maintained that freedom of expression is guaranteed under the Constitution, stressing that criticism of government policies does not amount to a criminal offence.

“Sowore has not committed any offence. He merely exercised his constitutional right to speak on issues affecting Nigerians. If the government disagrees with his views, it should respond with facts and good governance, not harassment and intimidation,” he said.

He questioned the priorities of the DSS, alleging that the agency appears more focused on opposition figures than on armed bandits and terrorists responsible for widespread violence.

“Unfortunately, the DSS seems more interested in going after opposition figures than confronting the bandits and terrorists terrorising innocent Nigerians,” Frank said.

He also urged the judiciary to remain impartial and resist any attempt to use the courts to suppress political dissent.

“The judiciary must be careful not to allow itself to be used to undermine democracy. Nigerians are watching, and history will judge every institution by the role it plays at this critical moment,” he stated.

Frank further called on the international community, particularly democratic nations, to monitor developments in Nigeria, expressing concern over what he described as growing restrictions on civil liberties and political freedoms.