Supporters Allege DSS Assaulted Activist Omoyele Sowore After Court Order

Supporters of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore have accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of using excessive force and injuring the activist shortly after a Federal High Court proceeding on Monday.

The incident occurred following a ruling by Justice Mohammed Umar, who ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The judge directed that the activist remain in custody pending the resolution of an application regarding a previously revoked bail.

Witnesses and supporters present at the court complex claimed that DSS personnel ignored the court’s remand order. According to witnesses, operatives forcefully intercepted Sowore within the court premises to take him into their custody rather than transferring him to the correctional facility as instructed.

A video circulated on social media appeared to show security personnel physically handling the activist as they moved him away from the area, while other agents blocked supporters from intervening. The confrontation led to a tense standoff at the gates of the Federal High Court, with activists and supporters obstructing traffic to protest the handling of the situation.

Agena Roberts Ande, representing the African Action Congress, condemned the actions of the security agency. He argued that the government must adhere to the legal processes it established, insisting that Sowore should have been handed over exclusively to the correctional authorities in compliance with the court’s directive.

Prior to the incident, Sowore had addressed the court, stating that he was prepared to face the legal proceedings. The activist is currently facing trial on charges of criminal defamation, stemming from social media posts concerning President Bola Tinubu. Sowore has maintained his plea of not guilty to the charges.

The court has adjourned the matter until June 24 to hear an application for a stay of execution.