DSS Launches Investigation After Viral Sowore Court Incident

The Department of State Services launched an internal investigation on Wednesday into the conduct of its operatives following a viral video showing DSS agents clashing with supporters and associates of activist Omoyele Sowore outside the Federal High Court in Abuja where he had appeared for his criminal trial.

The incident occurred on Monday, June 22, 2026, when Sowore was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after a bench warrant was activated against him. Video footage circulated widely on social media appeared to show DSS operatives physically confronting individuals in the courthouse premises, including journalists and Sowore’s supporters who had gathered to witness proceedings.

DSS Promises Transparent Review

A DSS statement confirmed the launch of the internal review, saying the service was committed to professional conduct in all its operations and would take appropriate disciplinary action if any of its personnel were found to have acted outside prescribed rules of engagement. The statement did not confirm or deny the specific actions depicted in the viral video.

Peter Obi condemned Sowore’s remand as a dangerous regression in Nigeria’s democracy, calling for his immediate release. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project separately demanded an investigation into DSS conduct, with SERAP executive director Kolawole Oluwadare saying the imprisonment of an opposition political figure for protest activities raised serious constitutional concerns. Civil liberties groups noted that Sowore had been among the most visible leaders of the June 12 nationwide protests.

Remand Sparks Free Speech Debate

However, government officials maintained that all legal proceedings against Sowore were based on charges filed before the June 12 protests and unrelated to his protest activities. Still, the timing of the remand, coming weeks after his high-profile protest activism, deepened suspicion among civil society groups. Furthermore, the viral video of DSS operatives in action gave human rights organisations concrete material to document as evidence of state conduct during politically sensitive legal proceedings. Consequently, the Sowore remand and the DSS incident have become focal points for a broader debate about the shrinking space for dissent heading into the 2027 election cycle.