DSS Launches Probe into Operatives’ Conduct During Sowore Prison Remand Drama

Pat Stevens/

The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of its operatives following a controversial incident that unfolded after activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.

In what appears to be the agency’s first formal response to public criticism over the episode, the DSS disclosed on Tuesday that its Director General had directed a probe into allegations involving personnel seen in a widely circulated altercation that followed Sowore’s appearance before the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 22.

The incident, which generated intense debate on social media and among civil rights advocates, centred on scenes showing Sowore in what the DSS described as a “seeming scuffle” involving some of its operatives.

Announcing the investigation, the agency acknowledged the public concerns generated by the episode.

“The Director General has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of Service operatives involved in the incident,” the DSS said in a statement signed by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie.

The agency said it was particularly concerned by public reactions to the events that accompanied Sowore’s remand in Kuje Prison.

“The Department of State Services 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 said.

“Of more concern is the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of Custodial Centre and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service.”

The DSS also drew attention to what it described as an unusual development following the courtroom drama.

“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,” the statement added.

Beyond announcing the investigation, the DSS used the statement to defend its handling of the legal case against Sowore and reject suggestions that it was responsible for his remand.

According to the agency, the origins of the case date back to August 25, 2025, when Sowore allegedly published comments on his social media platforms accusing President Bola Tinubu of dishonesty over corruption issues.

Rather than arresting the activist immediately, the DSS said it first sought a retraction.

“Rather than resort to arrest, the Service, in a letter dated 4th September 2025, demanded a retraction within one week,” the agency stated.

The DSS argued that the approach reflected a broader policy under the current Director General to pursue legal remedies instead of arrests wherever possible.

To support that claim, the agency cited several previous disputes, including its challenge to the proposed “shadow government” initiative associated with political economist, Professor Pat Utomi.

The DSS noted that it sought judicial interpretation of the matter without first arresting or inviting those involved and subsequently secured a Federal High Court judgment declaring the arrangement unconstitutional.

The Service also referenced previous disputes involving media reports alleging invasions of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly complex, stating that it demanded public apologies rather than making arrests and withdrew legal actions once corrections were made.

According to the DSS, the case against Sowore was filed under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and was intended to obtain judicial clarification regarding what it described as the limits of free expression in relation to statements directed at the President.

“Therefore, in line with SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999 made pursuant to the NSA Act of 1986, the Service filed charges against Sowore for contravening Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024,” the statement said.

The agency further maintained that it neither arrested Sowore nor opposed his bail application during the proceedings.

“The public may wish to note that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition even without a surety at the commencement of the trial, a position the Service did not oppose,” it said.

The DSS insisted that the circumstances leading to the revocation of Sowore’s bail and his subsequent remand were matters arising from court proceedings rather than actions taken by the Service.

“From the foregoing, it is clear the issues that led to his bail revocation and subsequent remand were entirely premised on the court processes, as the Service neither arrested nor opposed his bail,” the statement added.