The Department of State Services (DSS) says it is investigating its operatives seen in a viral video forcefully dragging activist and AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore out of a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The incident occurred on Monday, June 22, 2026, immediately after Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre. The judge’s order came while ruling on Sowore’s application to challenge the revocation of his bail. He had also asked the judge to recuse himself over alleged bias, but the request was dismissed.
Sowore’s bail was revoked on June 16 after he failed to appear in court, prompting the judge to issue an arrest warrant. He is facing a two-count charge for allegedly calling President Bola Tinubu “a criminal” in posts on X and Facebook.
Video footage that circulated on social media showed armed DSS officials pulling Sowore through a court hallway, sparking public criticism over the conduct of security personnel.
In a statement on Tuesday, DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie said Director-General Adeola Ajayi had ordered an immediate probe into the operatives’ conduct. Dozie added that Sowore “curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service” after the altercation with a custodial officer.
The agency also clarified that it did not oppose Sowore’s bail in court, and that the revocation was the court’s decision alone. Dozie said the DSS first asked Sowore to retract the remarks in a letter dated Sept. 4, 2025, and later filed charges to seek “judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the president.”
Sowore remains in Kuje prison pending the hearing of his application challenging the bail revocation.
