Sowore Remand: DSS Investigates Operatives Over Courtroom Scuffle

The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an internal investigation into the conduct of its operatives following a viral video showing a confrontation involving activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The agency said the probe was directed by its Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, after public concern over footage from June 22 showing Sowore in a struggle involving officials of the DSS and the Nigerian Correctional Service following court proceedings.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said it was examining the conduct of personnel involved in the incident.

“The Director General has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of Service operatives involved in the incident,” the statement said.

The agency, however, maintained that Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Custodial Centre resulted solely from court proceedings and not from any action taken by the DSS.

“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 added.

According to the DSS, Sowore was initially granted bail on self-recognition when his trial commenced and the agency did not object to the application.

The service also noted that after the altercation at the court premises, Sowore eventually chose to enter a DSS vehicle rather than one belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The DSS explained that the ongoing case stems from social media posts allegedly made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, concerning President Bola Tinubu.

Rather than arrest him immediately, the agency said it first issued a letter dated September 4, 2025, demanding a retraction of the comments within one week.

The agency said the matter later proceeded to court under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, to determine whether the remarks violated provisions of the law.

The DSS argued that its approach reflected a policy preference for legal and judicial remedies over arrests whenever possible.

To support that position, the agency cited previous court actions involving constitutional and defamation disputes, including litigation related to Professor Pat Utomi’s proposed Shadow Government initiative and cases involving allegations against DSS personnel.

The agency said it remains committed to professionalism, civility and adherence to the rule of law while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.

Sowore is currently facing charges linked to social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Tinubu as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts.