The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a sharp rebuke of the Department of State Services (DSS), labeling the agency’s conduct during the recent arrest of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore as a direct threat to democratic stability….See More
Sowore was taken into custody at the Federal High Court in Abuja following a bench warrant issued for his failure to appear for trial. In a statement released on Thursday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the “rowdy scene” and “bullish” behavior displayed by DSS operatives, arguing that the intensity of the operation was both unprofessional and unnecessary.
“We are appalled by the conduct of the DSS at the Federal High Court, Abuja, while taking into custody Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” the NLC statement read. “This is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The rowdy scene, bullish behavior, the mass intimidation by the personnel and the humiliation of Sowore were totally unnecessary and embarrassing to an organization that carries with it a certain level of sophistication or elegance.”Ajaero further questioned the role of the DSS in the legal process, expressing concern over the agency’s dual position as both the complainant in the cybercrime case against the activist and the entity responsible for his detention.
“We are opposed to this kind of drama by our Secret Service as there was no need for it. Who were they re-enacting this for, anyway?” he queried.The arrest occurred after Justice Mohammed Umar revoked Sowore’s bail due to his non-appearance at a previous hearing.
As of Friday, June 26, 2026, Sowore remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, with the court scheduled to rule on an application to vacate the bench warrant and restore his bail on June 30.
The NLC’s intervention adds to the ongoing public debate surrounding the use of the Cybercrimes Act to prosecute activists and journalists. The union emphasized that state institutions must operate within established legal norms to avoid eroding public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial and security structures….See More
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