By The Metro 
The Department of State Services has ordered an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following a confrontation captured in viral videos involving activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
The videos, which circulated widely on social media, showed tension involving DSS operatives, Sowore and some of his supporters after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service said it had taken note of public concerns surrounding the incident and directed an immediate probe.
“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 said.
The agency also expressed concern over what it described as an altercation involving Sowore, a custodial centre official and DSS operatives.
“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,” it added.
While announcing the probe, the DSS sought to explain the events that led to the court case involving Sowore, insisting that it had relied on legal channels rather than force.
According to the Service, the matter began after Sowore made a social media post on August 25, 2025, which it considered disparaging to President Bola Tinubu.
Rather than arrest him, the DSS said it issued a letter on September 4, 2025, requesting a retraction within one week.
“Rather than resort to arrest, the Service, in a letter dated 4th September, 2025 demanded a retraction within one week. This is in line with the practice of the current DG-DSS to resolve such issues without use of force, failure to which it may resort to judicial interpretation.”
The agency cited several previous cases, including matters involving Professor Pat Utomi’s shadow government initiative, media reports on alleged invasions of the Lagos State House of Assembly and National Assembly Complex, as well as litigation involving SERAP, to support its claim that it prefers legal remedies to arrests.
The DSS said it eventually filed charges against Sowore under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, seeking judicial interpretation of his actions.
It also noted that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition at the start of the trial and that it neither opposed nor challenged the court’s decision.
“The public may wish to note that, Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition even without a surety at the commencement of the trial, a position the Service did not oppose and even Sowore applauded the development,” the statement said.
The Service maintained that the circumstances that resulted in the revocation of Sowore’s bail and his subsequent remand were entirely based on court proceedings.
“From the foregoing, it is clear the issues that led to his bail revocation and subsequent remand were entirely premised on the court processes, as the Service neither arrested nor opposed his bail.”
Sowore is expected to remain in custody until Wednesday, June 24, when proceedings in the case are scheduled to continue.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and civility, saying it would continue to carry out its duties responsibly even in the face of provocation.