Sowore’s supporters accuse DSS of injuring activist

Activist Omoyele Sowore Allegedly Arrested by DSS Despite Court Order

Supporters of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore have accused operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) of forcibly arresting him and causing injury after a court ruling mandated his remand in a correctional facility.

The accusations follow a decision by Justice Mohammed Umar, who ordered that Sowore be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre while awaiting the hearing of his application for a stay of execution regarding a previous order that revoked his bail.

The judge also denied Sowore’s request for his recusal over claims of bias, adjourning proceedings until June 24, 2026.

Witnesses reported that DSS operatives apprehended Sowore within the courthouse shortly after the ruling, allegedly injuring him in the process. A live video broadcast on Sowore’s Facebook page depicted a DSS operative seizing him by the waist and dragging him away while other agents prevented supporters from intervening.

The incident led to protests at the Federal High Court, where supporters blocked access to the building, asserting that the court’s order specified Sowore should be held in a correctional facility, not in DSS or police custody.

Agena Roberts Ande, chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the Federal Capital Territory, condemned the actions of the DSS.

“Today, we attended court as Sowore had been ordered to appear. A bench warrant allowed him to self-surrender. After the court mandated his transfer to Correctional Services, the DSS intervened and forcibly took him,” Ande stated. “Such impunity cannot be tolerated. The government must adhere to its own rules.”

Earlier, Sowore expressed a lack of surprise regarding the court’s decision.

“I have anticipated these developments. However, they serve a greater purpose: to initiate the sacrifices necessary for the liberation of our country,” he said. “I am going to prison, but I will return stronger and even more determined.”

Sowore faces prosecution by the DSS for alleged criminal defamation related to social media posts in which he reportedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court had previously revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16 and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for the continuation of his trial.

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