Sowore Alleges DSS Harassment, Claims Plot to Secure His Imprisonment
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of harassment and intimidation following his recent appearance at the Federal High Court.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Sowore alleged that the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, deployed operatives to attack him at the Federal High Court last week.
He claimed that after the alleged attempt failed, the security agency announced it was investigating the same incident.
Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, recounted his recent detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, alleging that after spending nine days in custody, the prosecution, led by A.T. Kehinde, SAN, attempted to have him returned to prison by claiming he had not fulfilled his bail conditions.
According to him, although the court’s Bail Unit confirmed that he had met the bail requirements, the prosecution allegedly refused to certify his sureties despite the trial judge’s directive.
The activist further alleged that when that effort did not succeed, DSS operatives arrested journalist Zainab Sodiq, who had been covering his activities.
Sowore also claimed he had received information suggesting that the DSS Director-General had reached an agreement with Justice M.G. Umar to ensure his imprisonment irrespective of his legal defence.
He, however, acknowledged that he could not independently verify the allegation but said he was placing it on public record.
Maintaining that he was prepared for any outcome, Sowore accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of shrinking democratic space, intimidating journalists, persecuting political opponents and using state institutions to suppress dissent.
He warned that continued repression could provoke widespread public resistance, insisting that “the Nigerian people will not remain cowed forever.”
Sowore also demanded the immediate release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, reiterating the campaign hashtags #FreeZainabNOW and #RevolutionNow.
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS had not issued any official response to the allegations made by Sowore.
