DSS Launches Internal Probe Over Courtroom Clash Involving Sowore

DSS Launches Internal Probe Over Courtroom Clash Involving Sowore
The agency said it is reviewing concerns raised by the public.
DSS maintained that legal processes guided its actions against Sowore.

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

The development comes after viral videos showed a confrontation between DSS operatives and Sowore’s supporters following a court order remanding the activist in Kuje Correctional Centre.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said the DSS had taken note of public concerns surrounding the incident and had commenced an internal review.

“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 statement said.

The agency said it was also concerned about “the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of the Custodial Centre and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service,” adding that an investigation had 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 statement added.

The DSS also sought to clarify the circumstances that led to the legal action against Sowore.

According to the agency, the matter stemmed from a social media post made by the activist in August 2025, in which he criticised President Bola Tinubu.

The Service said it initially chose not to arrest Sowore and instead issued a demand for a retraction.

“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 said.

The DSS cited similar instances in which it sought legal remedies rather than arrests, including cases involving Professor Pat Utomi’s shadow government initiative, media reports concerning the Lagos State House of Assembly and allegations involving the National Assembly.

The agency maintained that its actions in Sowore’s case followed due legal process.

“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 stated.

The DSS further noted that it did not oppose the bail granted to Sowore at the commencement of the trial.

DSS Launches Internal Probe Over Courtroom Clash Involving Sowore

“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,” the statement added.

The agency concluded that Sowore’s remand was the outcome of court proceedings and not a result of any direct enforcement action by the DSS.