DSS Opens Inquiry Into Officers After Sowore Courtroom Incident

The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following the circulation of viral videos showing a confrontation involving activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The agency announced the probe amid public reactions to scenes that emerged after a court ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Custodial Centre pending the continuation of his trial.

The videos showed a tense exchange between DSS operatives, correctional officials, and some of Sowore’s supporters outside the courtroom.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS National Headquarters, Favour Dozie, said the . agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi had directed an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of personnel involved in the incident.

The Service noted concerns over footage showing Sowore’s altercation with a custodial official and what appeared to be a scuffle involving DSS operatives.

The DSS, however, distanced itself from Sowore’s remand, insisting that the decision was made by the court as part of ongoing judicial proceedings.

According to the agency, it neither arrested Sowore at the time nor opposed the bail earlier granted to him during the trial.

The Service also stated that the case against Sowore originated from social media posts he made in 2025 concerning President Bola Tinubu.

It said legal action was pursued after an earlier demand for a retraction was not complied with, adding that the matter was taken before the court for judicial determination under the Cybercrimes Act.

The investigation comes amid growing public scrutiny of the events surrounding Sowore’s transfer from the court premises to custody, with the DSS pledging to establish the facts and address any misconduct if established.