DSS Explains Court Action Against Omoyele Sowore

The Department of State Services (DSS) clarified its rationale for taking activist Omoyele Sowore to court rather than executing an outright arrest. The agency aimed to obtain judicial interpretation regarding Sowore's online post, which it considered defamatory towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This statement was made by DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations, Favour Dozi, on Tuesday. The matter began on August 25, 2025, when Sowore allegedly published a post on his Facebook account claiming that he had gone to Brazil, labeling Nigeria as corrupt.

The DSS viewed this post as disparaging towards the President. Instead of an immediate arrest, the DSS issued a letter on September 4, 2025, demanding a retraction of the statement within one week, reflecting its preference for legal remedies over force.

The agency filed charges against Sowore under Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2024. Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition and did not oppose the application.

Following a confrontation with DSS personnel, Sowore was remanded in Kuje prison on June 22, 2026.