DSS Speaks Out On Court Clash With Sowore, Launches Investigation

The Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following a reported altercation involving activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to Ireporter Online, the incident, which has since circulated widely on social media, occurred after a court ruling that ordered Sowore’s remand in Kuje Prison, generating tension between DSS personnel, supporters of the activist, and officials of the custodial centre.

In a statement issued by the Service’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS acknowledged public concern over the development and confirmed that a probe had been ordered to review the actions of its operatives.

The statement noted that the Director-General of the DSS directed an immediate investigation into what transpired during and after the court proceedings, including a reported scuffle involving personnel of the Service.

It also addressed claims surrounding the incident, stating that Sowore, after the court proceedings, reportedly opted to use a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service, a situation the agency described as unusual and part of the broader circumstances under review.

The DSS further stated that the case against Sowore stemmed from a 2025 social media post deemed to be disparaging toward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Service explained that it initially sought a non-confrontational resolution, issuing a formal request for retraction rather than proceeding with immediate arrest.

According to the statement, the agency had previously adopted similar approaches in other matters, including seeking judicial clarification in the case involving Prof. Pat Utomi’s “Shadow Government” initiative and demanding public apologies in reported misinformation cases involving alleged invasions of public institutions.

The DSS also referenced past legal outcomes involving its operatives and media-related disputes to support its position that it often resorts to judicial processes where necessary.

It maintained that charges filed against Sowore were in line with provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and clarified that the activist was granted bail on self-recognition without opposition from the Service.

The agency added that the remand order was issued by the court as part of judicial proceedings, not as a unilateral enforcement action by the DSS.