DSS Orders Investigation of Operatives Seen in Viral Court Video Over Sowore’s Remand

The Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that activist Omoyele Sowore‘s detention at the Kuje Custodial Centre stemmed from a court order rather than an independent decision made by the Service..

Following public outcry over videos of a struggle between DSS and prison officials during the transfer, the DSS issued a statement clarifying the events.

The statement was signed by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS National Headquarters, Favour Dozie.

The Service also disclosed that its director-general, Adeola Ajayi, had ordered an investigation into the conduct of operatives captured in videos from the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 22.

The DSS said it had taken note of public concerns over scenes at the court showing Sowore in an altercation with an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service and what appeared to be a scuffle involving DSS operatives.

Although the Service noted that Sowore eventually chose to enter a DSS vehicle rather than one belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service after the incident, it said an immediate investigation had been ordered into the alleged conduct of personnel involved.

“From the foregoing, it is clear that the issues which led to the revocation of his bail and his subsequent remand arose entirely from court processes, as the Service neither arrested him nor opposed his bail application,” the statement said.

Explaining how the matter reached the courts, the DSS said the case dates back to August 25, 2025, when Sowore made social media posts about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following remarks attributed to the president during a visit to Brazil.

Rather than move to arrest him, the Service said it initially sought a less confrontational approach.

“Rather than resort to arrest, the Service, in a letter dated 4th September 2025, demanded a retraction within one week,” it stated.

The DSS said the decision reflected what it described as the approach of the current director-general, who prefers to seek redress through dialogue or the courts before considering more coercive measures.

On the legal basis for the prosecution, the agency said it filed charges under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025.

The Service said the suit was filed to allow the court to determine whether Sowore’s comments about the president amounted to conduct prohibited under the law.

To support its claim that it routinely pursues disputes through legal channels, the DSS cited several previous cases, including litigation over Prof. Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government initiative.

“Specifically, in the case of Prof. Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government, the Service sought judicial clarification without making any arrest or issuing any invitation.