The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied responsibility for the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Custodial Centre, maintaining that the decision stemmed solely from judicial proceedings and not from any action taken by the agency.
The clarification was issued on Wednesday following public reactions and questions surrounding the circumstances that led to Sowore’s detention after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS insisted that the development was a consequence of court actions rather than any intervention by the security agency.
The position was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS headquarters, Favour Dozie.
The agency also revealed that its Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, had directed an investigation into the conduct of operatives seen in videos recorded at the Federal High Court on June 22.
According to the DSS, it had taken note of public concerns arising from footage showing Sowore involved in a confrontation with an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service, as well as an apparent altercation involving DSS personnel.
While acknowledging that Sowore later opted to board a DSS vehicle instead of one belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service following the incident, the agency said it immediately initiated an inquiry into the actions of officers captured in the videos.
“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 said.
Providing background to the legal dispute, the DSS stated that the matter originated from social media posts made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following comments reportedly made by the president during a visit to Brazil.
The agency said it initially chose not to pursue an arrest and instead sought a less aggressive means of addressing the issue.
“Rather than resort to arrest, the Service, in a letter dated 4th September 2025, demanded a retraction within one week,” it stated.
According to the DSS, the approach reflected the philosophy of its current leadership, which prioritises dialogue and legal remedies before considering enforcement actions.
Addressing the prosecution, the agency explained that charges were filed under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, through Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025.
The DSS said the case was brought before the court to determine whether Sowore’s comments regarding the president violated provisions of the law.
To demonstrate what it described as a consistent reliance on lawful dispute resolution, the agency cited several previous matters it had pursued through the courts, including litigation involving Prof. Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government initiative.
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“Specifically, in the case of Prof. Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government, the Service sought judicial clarification without making any arrest or issuing any invitation.
The Federal High Court subsequently declared the Shadow Government unconstitutional,” the statement added.
The DSS also referred to previous controversies over reports alleging that its operatives invaded both the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly Complex.
In those cases, it said it requested public apologies rather than effecting arrests and later withdrew legal actions after the reports were corrected.
Additionally, the agency highlighted separate libel and defamation cases instituted by two of its operatives against SERAP, noting that the courts eventually ruled in favour of the officers.
According to the DSS, these examples demonstrate its commitment to pursuing grievances through established legal channels and in line with the rule of law.
The statement further emphasised that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition when his trial commenced and that the DSS raised no objection to the application.
“The public may wish to note that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition, without the requirement of a surety, at the commencement of the trial.
The Service did not oppose the application, and Sowore himself publicly welcomed the decision.”
Reaffirming its position, the DSS said it remains committed to carrying out its responsibilities professionally and courteously, regardless of provocation.