DSS Denies Responsibility for Sowore’s Imprisonment, Says Court Ordered Remand

The Department of State Services (DSS) has distanced itself from the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, insisting that it was the court not the security agency that ordered his detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The clarification comes amid growing public debate and criticism following Sowore’s remand by a Federal High Court in Abuja over ongoing legal proceedings involving allegations of criminal defamation and cyber-related offences.

According to the DSS, its operatives merely executed and complied with directives issued by the court. The agency maintained that the decision to revoke Sowore’s bail and order his remand was made solely by the judiciary.

Officials stressed that the DSS did not independently decide to imprison the activist, arguing that it acted within the framework of the law and judicial instructions.

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial. The court subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Upon his appearance before the court, the judge ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of an application challenging the revocation of his bail.

Correctional Service officials later took custody of the activist from DSS operatives at the court premises before transporting him to Kuje Prison.

Sowore is currently facing charges filed by the DSS over social media posts in which he allegedly made defamatory statements against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The activist has consistently denied wrongdoing and described the case as politically motivated.

The development has continued to generate mixed reactions from civil society groups, political activists, and supporters, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the revocation of his bail and subsequent detention.

Meanwhile, legal observers note that the case underscores ongoing debates about freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the powers of security agencies in Nigeria.

The court is expected to continue hearing applications related to the revocation of Sowore’s bail and his request for relief from the remand order.

The outcome of the proceedings could determine whether the activist regains his freedom pending the conclusion of his trial or remains in custody as the case progresses.