The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following the remand of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

On Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Sowore's remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the order after dismissing an application by Sowore seeking his recusal from the case over allegations of bias.

The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16 and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled court session.

A video that surfaced on social media on Monday showed armed DSS operatives forcefully dragging Sowore from a court hallway after proceedings ended. The footage sparked widespread criticism and renewed concerns over the conduct of security personnel.

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count charge linked to social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts.

DSS Responds

In a statement issued on Tuesday, DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie said the agency had taken note of public concerns surrounding the incident and confirmed that an internal investigation had been ordered.

Dozie stated that after the altercation, Sowore “curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service.”

He also stressed that the DSS did not oppose Sowore’s bail application and that the decision to revoke the bail was entirely at the discretion of the court.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted concerns of some citizens over events at a Federal High Court in Abuja on 22nd June 2026, leading to the remand of Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison,” the statement read.

“Of more concern is the scene depicting Sowore’s altercation with an official of the Custodial Centre and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service.

“Although at the end of the saga, he curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service, the Director-General has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of Service operatives involved in the incident.”

Why Sowore Is Being Prosecuted

Dozie also explained the basis of the case against Sowore, saying the DSS had written to him on September 4, 2025, requesting that he retract the comments made about President Tinubu within one week.

According to the spokesperson, the charges were subsequently filed to seek a judicial determination on whether Sowore’s remarks were protected under his rights or amounted to disparagement and cyberbullying of the President.