By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following an incident involving activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja, while also defending its decision to prosecute him over alleged cyberbullying and defamatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said it had taken note of public concerns arising from events that unfolded on June 22, 2026, which culminated in Sowore’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The agency said particular attention had been drawn to a confrontation involving Sowore, a correctional officer and some DSS operatives after the court proceedings.
It disclosed that the Director-General of the Service had ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of officers involved in the incident.
According to the DSS, despite the controversy surrounding the episode, Sowore eventually chose to be conveyed in a DSS vehicle rather than that of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Service, however, sought to clarify the circumstances that led to the legal action against the activist, insisting that it acted within the bounds of the law.
The DSS recalled that on August 25, 2025, Sowore allegedly published comments on his X and Facebook accounts accusing President Tinubu of making false claims about corruption in Nigeria during a visit to Brazil.
Rather than arresting him immediately, the agency said it issued a letter dated September 4, 2025, demanding a retraction within one week. It noted that the move reflected the current leadership’s preference for resolving disputes through non-coercive means before seeking judicial intervention.
The Service cited previous cases, including litigation involving Professor Pat Utomi’s proposed Shadow Government and disputes with media organisations over reports alleging DSS invasions of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly complex.
In those instances, it said it pursued legal remedies and sought public apologies instead of making arrests.
According to the statement, charges were eventually filed against Sowore under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, through suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, to enable the court determine whether his statements amounted to unlawful cyberbullying and disparagement of the President.
The DSS further noted that Sowore was initially granted bail on self-recognition without the requirement of a surety, a development it said the agency did not oppose.
The Service maintained that the circumstances leading to the revocation of Sowore’s bail and his subsequent remand were entirely products of court proceedings and not the actions of the DSS.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and the rule of law, the agency said it would continue to prioritise civility and restraint in its operations, even in the face of provocation.
The statement reads in full:
RE: ‘REMAND’ OF OMOYELE SOWORE
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.
Of more concern, is the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of Custodial Center and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service.
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.
Notwithstanding, it is expedient to set the records straight.
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 embelishing his statement.
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.
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.
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.
It is on record that, DSS withdrew all charges immediately after the defaulting media houses made a redress.
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. In all these, the Service maintained its hygiene and adherence to rule of law.
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. The public may wish to note that, Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition even without a surety at the commemcement of the trial, a position the Service did not oppose and even Sowore applauded the development.
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.
Favour Dozie
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
National Headquarters, State Services.
Abuja
June 23, 2026
