The Department of State Services (DSS) has acknowledged public concerns following the June 22, 2026 proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which resulted in the remand of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore at Kuje Prison.
Tension was reported during and after the court session, with viral videos showing confrontations between DSS operatives and supporters of Sowore following the ruling.
Journalists had earlier reported that Sowore is expected to remain in custody until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when his legal proceedings are scheduled to continue.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS 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,”
The Service also addressed reports of a confrontation involving Sowore, custodial officials, and its operatives, noting that an investigation has been ordered into the incident.
“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 agency noted.
According to the DSS, the clarification was necessary to correct public perception surrounding the events that led to the matter.
The agency also revisited the social media post that triggered the legal action, stating:
“On 25th August 2025, Omoyele Sowore, made a post on his personal X and Facebook handles, wherein he stated ‘this criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE CORRUPTION in Nigeria.
What audacity to lie shamelessly.’ Thus, disparaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and embellishing his statement.”
The DSS said it initially opted against arrest and instead demanded a retraction of the post.
“Rather than resort to arrest, the Service, in a letter dated 4th September, 2025 demanded a retraction within one week.
This is in line with the practice of the current DG-DSS to resolve such issues without use of force, failure to which it may resort to judicial interpretation.”
The agency also referenced previous cases in which it sought legal clarification instead of immediate arrests, including the “Shadow Government” case involving Professor Pat Utomi.
“Specifically, in the case of Prof. Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government, the Service sought a judicial explanation even without any arrest or invitation.
“The Federal High Court thereafter declared the Shadow Government unconstitutional,” it stated.
It further cited disputes involving media organisations, including allegations about a Lagos State House of Assembly invasion and a report on the National Assembly.
“Also, the false publications on Lagos State House of Assembly invasion by Service operatives and a similar report by Order Paper, alleging a barricade of the National Assembly Complex, the Service demanded a public apology rather than apprehend anyone in both instances.”
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The DSS added:
“It is on record that, DSS withdrew all charges immediately after the defaulting media houses made a redress.”
The agency also referenced past defamation cases involving its operatives.
“In the same vein, two Service operatives sought judicial redress and won their cases against SERAP for defamation and libel on their false alarm of an invasion by the said operatives.
In this case also, the Court delivered judgment in favour of the said operatives,” the release read.
It maintained that all actions taken in the Sowore matter followed legal procedures.
“Therefore, in line with SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999, made pursuant to NSA Act of 1986, the Service filed charges against Sowore for contravening section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Amendment Act, 2024 in a suit FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025 seeking a judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the President,” it said.
The DSS also clarified that it did not oppose Sowore’s initial bail.
“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 and even Sowore applauded the development.”
It further stressed that the remand was a consequence of court proceedings rather than enforcement action by the agency.
“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.
“DSS therefore assures of sustained priority to professionalism, with emphasis on civility in its operations, even at the face of provocation,” it concluded.