The Department of State Services (DSS) has launched an internal investigation following the circulation of a viral video showing its operatives forcefully escorting activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, from the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The incident occurred on Monday, June 22, 2026, shortly after Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The ruling came during proceedings on Sowore’s application challenging the revocation of his bail. The court also dismissed his request for the judge to step down from the case over allegations of bias.
Sowore’s bail had earlier been revoked on June 16 after he failed to appear before the court, prompting Justice Umar to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. He is currently facing a two-count charge linked to social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” on X and Facebook.
Footage from the court premises, which quickly spread across social media platforms, showed armed DSS operatives dragging Sowore through a corridor of the courthouse, triggering widespread reactions and criticism from members of the public.
Responding to the controversy, DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie said on Tuesday that the agency’s Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, had directed an immediate investigation into the actions of the officers involved.
Dozie further stated that Sowore “curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service” after an altercation involving a correctional officer.
The DSS also clarified that it did not oppose Sowore’s bail application during court proceedings, maintaining that the decision to revoke his bail was made solely by the court.
According to the agency, it had initially written to Sowore on September 4, 2025, requesting that he retract the statements in question. However, when that did not happen, the DSS proceeded with legal action to seek “judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the president.”
Sowore remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre while awaiting the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.
