DSS orders probe into court scuffle after Sowore’s remand order
Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore
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The Department of State Services says it has noted public concerns following events at the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 22 2026, which led to the remand of Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison.
Viral videos had shown tension between the agency’s operatives and Sowore’s loyalists and supporters after Monday’s court order.
Sowore will remain in custody until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when legal proceedings are scheduled to resume, PUNCH had earlier reported.
“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 agency’s Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Service said it was also concerned about “the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of Custodial Center and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service,” adding that an investigation has been ordered.
“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.
The DSS said it was necessary to “set the records straight” regarding events leading up to the matter.
On the basis of a social media post made in 2025, the Service said: “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 did not proceed with arrest, instead issuing a demand for retraction.
It further read, “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 statement cited other instances in which the Service said it had sought judicial interpretation rather than arrests.
“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 also referenced media-related disputes.
DSS continued, “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.”
The DSS said: “It is on record that, DSS withdrew all charges immediately after the defaulting media houses made a redress.”
The Service further cited legal 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 said all actions taken in the Sowore matter were within legal processes.
“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 added that it did not oppose bail granted to the defendant.
The release declared, “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 concluded that the remand followed court processes rather than enforcement action 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.
“DSS therefore assures of sustained priority to professionalism, with emphasis on civility in its operations, even at the face of provocation,” it concluded.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.
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