Court Ordered Sowore’s Imprisonment, Not DSS — Agency

The Department of State Services (DSS) has defended its role in the detention of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, insisting that his imprisonment was the result of a court order rather than actions taken by the agency.

The clarification came amid renewed criticism from supporters of the activist, with the DSS maintaining that it acted strictly within the confines of the law and in compliance with judicial directives. The agency argued that responsibility for Sowore’s remand rests with the court that issued the order, not with security operatives.

According to the DSS, it has consistently followed due legal processes in matters involving criminal investigations and prosecutions. Officials stressed that security agencies do not possess the authority to independently order a person's imprisonment without judicial approval.

The agency also rejected allegations suggesting that it acted outside its legal mandate, stating that all actions taken in relation to the case were carried out in accordance with existing laws and court directives. It urged members of the public to distinguish between decisions made by the judiciary and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies.

Sowore, a prominent activist and publisher, has remained a vocal critic of successive governments and has been involved in several high-profile legal battles over the years. His cases have frequently attracted national attention and generated debate among civil society groups, legal practitioners, and political observers.

The latest exchange adds to the ongoing discussion surrounding the role of security agencies, judicial independence, and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria.