The Department of State Services (DSS) has launched an immediate investigation into the conduct of its operatives following a physical altercation at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which led to the remand of activist Omoyele Sowore at Kuje Prison.
In a statement on Tuesday, the secret police addressed growing public concern over the events of June 22.
The agency highlighted scenes showing Sowore in an altercation with a Custodial Centre official and a subsequent scuffle involving DSS personnel.
📢 Stay Updated — Join Our WhatsApp Channel
💬 Be Part of Our WhatsApp Community
Join our WhatsApp Channel for curated updates, breaking stories, and exclusive insights from our newsroom.
📲 Join 👉 NRTC WhatsApp Channel
The intelligence agency noted that despite the chaotic incident, Sowore curiously chose to board a DSS vehicle rather than the transport provided by the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Setting the record straight on the ongoing trial, the DSS explained that the case originated from social media posts made by Sowore on his personal X and Facebook accounts on August 25, 2025.
READ ALSO: Rotational presidency is ‘senseless’ — Sowore
In the publications, Sowore alleged that President Bola Tinubu had travelled to Brazil and lied about the eradication of corruption in Nigeria, utilising language the agency described as disparaging and embellished.
According to the Service, rather than arresting the activist immediately, a letter was sent to him on September 4, 2025, demanding a formal retraction within one week.
The agency emphasised that this approach aligns with the current Director General’s policy of seeking non-violent resolutions and judicial interpretations rather than resorting to arbitrary force or arrests.
The DSS cited several recent legal precedents to demonstrate its adherence to the rule of law and commitment to institutional hygiene.
The Service approached the Federal High Court for a judicial explanation regarding a “Shadow Government” proposed by Prof. Pat Utomi without initiating arrests or invitations.
The court subsequently declared the shadow cabinet unconstitutional.
Following false reports alleging an invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly and a National Assembly blockade by Order Paper, the DSS demanded public apologies instead of apprehending the authors.
All charges were dropped once the media houses issued corrections.Two DSS operatives sought judicial redress and won libel lawsuits against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) over false claims regarding an agency invasion.
To address Sowore’s online statements, the DSS filed suit FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025 in accordance with SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999 and the National Security Agencies (NSA) Act of 1986.
The charges allege a violation of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, to determine the legality of cyberbullying and disparaging the sitting President.
The Service pointed out that at the beginning of the trial, Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition without requiring a surety.
The DSS did not oppose the bail application, a position it noted was openly welcomed and applauded by Sowore at the time.
READ ALSO: Police declare Omoyele Sowore wanted
The agency concluded that the subsequent revocation of his bail and the resulting remand order were entirely the result of ongoing court processes, clarifying that the Service did not orchestrate an arrest or petition against his initial bail status.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professionalism and civility during its field operations, even when provoked.
