The Department of State Services has ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of its operatives during an incident involving activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, following his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The Service said the investigation became necessary after public concerns over videos and reports showing an altercation between Sowore, an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service and some DSS operatives after court proceedings on June 22.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said its Director-General had directed a probe into the alleged misconduct of personnel involved in the incident.

The agency, however, maintained that Sowore’s remand was a result of court proceedings and not an action initiated by the DSS.

It said Sowore was remanded after the court revoked his bail in a case filed against him over a social media post made in August 2025, in which he allegedly made disparaging remarks about President Bola Tinubu.

According to the DSS, Sowore had posted on his X and Facebook accounts that the President was “a criminal” who lied about corruption in Nigeria during a visit to Brazil.

The Service said it initially wrote to Sowore on September 4, 2025, demanding a retraction within one week rather than proceeding with an arrest.

It added that after the retraction was not made, it approached the Federal High Court under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, accusing Sowore of contravening Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The DSS said the suit was filed to seek judicial interpretation on whether the remarks amounted to cyberbullying and disparagement of the President.

It noted that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition at the commencement of the trial without a surety, adding that the Service did not oppose the bail application.

“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,” the statement said.

The DSS also defended its approach to handling similar matters, saying it had previously sought legal redress instead of making arrests in cases involving alleged false publications and defamation.

It cited its handling of reports involving the Lagos State House of Assembly, the National Assembly complex and the shadow government initiative associated with Prof. Pat Utomi.

The Service said it remained committed to professionalism, civility and adherence to the rule of law in its operations.