Sowore Accuses DSS of Discrimination at Presidential Peace Accord Event

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of discriminatory treatment after he was reportedly stopped at the entrance of the National Peace Committee’s Peace Accord signing event.

Sowore said he arrived at the venue without a convoy of expensive vehicles or heavily armed security escorts but was stopped at the gate by DSS operatives.

According to him, one of the officers demanded to see his invitation letter, despite later acknowledging that he knew Sowore was a presidential candidate.

He said the situation became more concerning when another presidential candidate arrived with a long convoy and was allowed into the venue without facing similar checks.

Sowore said he was subsequently told that his staff would not be allowed into the venue, followed by another instruction that his camera crew could not enter either.

He described the treatment as discriminatory and said he refused to accept what he considered unequal treatment of presidential candidates.

“If this is supposed to be a ‘Peace Accord’ involving presidential candidates, then every candidate must be treated with equal dignity and respect,” Sowore said.

He argued that candidates should not be treated differently based on the size of their convoys, the number of security vehicles accompanying them or the level of privilege they display.

Sowore said he insisted on his rights and refused to submit to what he described as discriminatory conduct by the security operatives.

He further criticised what he described as a culture of intimidation, class discrimination and arbitrary treatment by Nigeria’s security agencies.

“This culture of intimidation, class discrimination, and arbitrary treatment by Nigeria’s security agencies must end,” he said.

The incident has raised questions about the treatment of presidential candidates at an event specifically organised to promote peaceful participation ahead of the election.

Shemariah Newsroom will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Peace Accord and the reactions from the parties involved.

44 Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Freed After One-Month Secret Security Operation, Army Reveals

 

The Nigerian Army has revealed how a month-long intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims regained their freedom on July 10 after what it described as a “carefully planned and executed” operation targeting the kidnappers’ network.

According to the statement, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.

The Army disclosed that the operation lasted for more than one month and focused on tracking the kidnappers’ leaders, dismantling their network and cutting off their logistics and support systems.

According to the military, security operatives also identified and raided several hideouts used by the suspects within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

Several suspects were arrested during the operation in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

The Army said the arrests disrupted the activities of the criminal group and mounted enough pressure on the kidnappers to release the 44 victims unconditionally.

Military authorities added that the operation was carefully planned to ensure that none of the abducted pupils or teachers was harmed during the rescue.

However, the Army confirmed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation but did not disclose the number of officers affected.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The military also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic support for the operation and thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Defence Headquarters, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as other security agencies for their collaboration.

The Army further commended local hunters, Amotekun operatives, vigilantes and members of the public for providing useful information that contributed to the success of the operation.

It assured Nigerians that further operations would continue to ensure that all those involved in the kidnapping are arrested and brought to justice.

Kemi Olunloyo Questions Official Account of Oriire Rescue, Raises Fresh Questions About Oyo Abduction Case

 Investigative journalist Dr. Kemi Olunloyo has questioned the Federal Government’s account of the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, arguing that several aspects of the operation remain unexplained.

In a statement shared on social media, Olunloyo disputed the official narrative that security forces carried out a successful rescue operation, claiming instead that there was no such operation. She did not provide evidence to support that assertion.

The Federal Government has maintained that the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while others were neutralised.

President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have both commended the security agencies for the rescue and described the operation as a major breakthrough.

However, Olunloyo argued that several unanswered questions warrant closer scrutiny.

Among the issues she raised were why photographs released after the rescue appeared to show fewer people than the total number reportedly abducted, why the rescued pupils were not seen wearing school uniforms, why some of the alleged kidnappers had not been publicly presented, and why biscuits were distributed to the children shortly after their release.

She also questioned remarks made by the school principal during the reception of the rescued victims, suggesting the address appeared rehearsed.

Olunloyo’s comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users calling for greater transparency from authorities, while others accused her of making allegations without presenting supporting evidence.

As of the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor the Oyo State Government had responded to the specific questions raised by Olunloyo.

The official position of the Federal Government remains that the victims were rescued through a security operation conducted after nearly two months in captivity, with several suspects arrested and others killed during the mission.

Shemariah Media has not independently verified the claims made by Dr. Olunloyo.

While Others Celebrate, One Oyo Family Is Still Mourning—The Heartbreaking Story of Teacher Michael Oyedokun

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has attributed the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to sustained public pressure from Nigerians, civil society groups, lawyers and international organisations.

Sowore announced the journalist’s release on Friday, describing it as a victory for collective action against what he called repression.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sodiq is finally free from the grip of repression,” Sowore said in a statement made available to Shemariah Media.

According to him, the campaign for Sodiq’s freedom gained momentum through the efforts of individuals and organisations that demanded her release and challenged her continued detention.

He specifically acknowledged the interventions of senior advocate Femi Falana (SAN), International Press Institute (IPI) President Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, activists of the Take It Back Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and Nigerians who spoke out against the detention.

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: Thank you!” Sowore said.

He added that Sodiq’s release demonstrated the power of citizens acting together to defend fundamental rights.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated.

Sodiq’s detention drew national attention after Sowore alleged that she was arrested because she covered his daily activities as a journalist. The DSS, however, maintained that she was being investigated over the possession of a drone without the required authorisation, insisting that its actions were in line with national security regulations governing the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The conflicting accounts triggered widespread debate, with media organisations, legal practitioners, rights groups and press freedom advocates calling for transparency and respect for due process.

Although Sodiq has now regained her freedom, questions remain over the circumstances surrounding her detention and whether the investigation referenced by the DSS has been concluded.

The agency has yet to issue a statement following her release.

The development marks the latest chapter in a case that has sparked renewed conversations about press freedom, national security and the rights of journalists in Nigeria.

How Public Pressure Helped Secure Zainab Sodiq’s Release, According to Sowore

Journalist Zainab Sodiq has regained her freedom after spending days in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), marking a significant development in a case that attracted widespread public attention and concerns over press freedom.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore announced her release in a statement on Friday, describing it as “good news” and thanking Nigerians, journalists, lawyers, civil society organisations and international groups who spoke out against her detention.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sadiq is finally free from the grip of repression!” Sowore wrote.

According to him, Sodiq’s release followed sustained public pressure from Nigerians both within and outside the country, as well as interventions by prominent individuals and organisations.

Among those he acknowledged were senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and other Nigerians who demanded her release.

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: Thank you!” Sowore said.

He added that the development demonstrated the impact of collective action in defending fundamental rights and challenging what he described as repression.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated while welcoming the journalist back.

Sodiq’s detention had generated national debate after Sowore alleged she was arrested because of her work covering his activities. The Department of State Services, however, maintained that she was being investigated over the possession of a drone without the required authorisation, insisting that its actions were in line with national security regulations.

The differing accounts sparked reactions from media organisations, legal practitioners, human rights advocates and press freedom groups, many of whom called for transparency and due process.

Although Zainab Sodiq has now been released, neither the DSS nor the Federal Government has publicly disclosed whether any charges will be filed or whether the investigation referenced by the agency has been concluded.

Shemariah Media will continue to monitor the matter and provide updates if further official statements are issued.

BREAKING: Sowore Rejects DSS Explanation, Reveals Why He Says Zainab Sodiq Was Really Detained

 Human rights activist and the AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has rejected the Department of State Services’ (DSS) explanation for the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, insisting that the agency’s claim that she was being investigated over a drone is “a hurriedly put together fable.”

In a statement shared on Thursday, Sowore alleged that Sodiq was deliberately targeted because of her work as the journalist covering his activities and not because she was found with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

His statement comes few hours after the DSS confirmed that Sodiq was being detained at its National Headquarters in Abuja, stating that she was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while travelling with a drone without the required End User Certificate (EUC).

However, Sowore disputed the agency’s account, claiming that the DJI Mavic Air drone belonged to him and had been used for legitimate media coverage of elections and other public events.

According to him, he personally spoke with DSS personnel at the Lagos airport after the drone was seized and informed them that it was his property.

Sowore said he instructed Sodiq to leave the drone with security officials and continue her journey to Abuja because she was carrying his international passport, which was required to be deposited in court as part of the bail conditions imposed in his ongoing trial.

The activist alleged that preventing Sodiq from travelling with the passport was the real objective behind the operation.

According to him, delaying the delivery of the passport would have frustrated the perfection of his bail and created grounds for his return to the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Sowore further claimed that Sodiq later honored an invitation to meet DSS officials in Abuja but was allegedly taken into custody immediately upon arrival.

He also alleged that his legal team contacted the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, who reportedly acknowledged that Sodiq was in the agency’s custody and initially described the matter as a routine screening related to the drone.

Sowore claimed the situation changed after he publicly disclosed Sodiq’s detention on social media.

He accused the DSS of using state institutions to intimidate journalists, activists and political critics, alleging that the detention formed part of a broader campaign of repression.

The activist also made several additional allegations against the DSS Director-General, including claims relating to his ongoing court case and the agency’s operations.

Shemariah Media has not independently verified these allegations. As of the time of publication, the DSS had not responded to Sowore’s latest claims. The agency’s most recent official statement maintains that Sodiq’s detention is connected to an investigation into the operation of a drone without the required authorization under existing national security regulations.

The differing accounts have intensified public debate over the circumstances surrounding Sodiq’s detention, with journalists, civil society groups and human rights advocates continuing to call for transparency and due process.

Shemariah Media will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

BREAKING: Sowore Tells Shemariah Media DSS DG Tosin Ajayi Is Plotting to Jail Him

 Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, of orchestrating what he described as a sustained campaign of intimidation against him, including an alleged plot to ensure his imprisonment.

In a statement sent directly to Shemariah Media on Tuesday, Sowore alleged that operatives acting on the instructions of the DSS Director-General attacked him at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week before the agency later claimed it was investigating the same incident.

“The DG of the lawless DSS, Tosin Ajayi, sent his goons to attack me at the Federal High Court last week. When it backfired, he turned around to claim he was investigating the same attack,” Sowore alleged.

The activist also claimed that after spending nine days at the Kuje Correctional Centre, the DSS prosecutor, A.T. Kehinde (SAN), attempted to frustrate his release by alleging that he had not fulfilled his bail conditions.

According to Sowore, the court’s Bail Unit confirmed that he had met the conditions, but he alleged that efforts were still made to delay the certification of his sureties.

He further alleged that after those efforts failed, DSS operatives arrested journalist Zainab Sodiq, whom he described as the reporter covering his daily activities.

Sowore also made another allegation which he acknowledged he could not independently verify.

According to him, he received information that DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi had reached an agreement with Justice M.G. Umar to ensure he would be jailed regardless of the legal arguments presented in court.

“I cannot independently confirm this claim, but I am putting it on public record,” Sowore stated in the message sent to Shemariah Media.

Declaring that he was prepared for any outcome, Sowore accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of suppressing dissent, targeting journalists and using state institutions to intimidate political opponents.

He warned that continued repression could provoke widespread public resistance and renewed calls for democratic reforms.

The activist also renewed his call for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who he alleges is being detained by the DSS.

Shemariah Media has not independently verified the allegations contained in Sowore’s statement. As of the time of publication, the Department of State Services had not responded to the claims, while there was no public comment from DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, Justice M.G. Umar or the Office of the Attorney General regarding the allegations.

Shemariah Media will continue to follow the case and publish updates as official responses become available.

DSS Breaks Silence on Sowore’s Remand, Orders Probe Into Courtroom Incident

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reacted to public concerns surrounding the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Kuje Prison, insisting that the decision was made by the court and not the agency.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said it had noted concerns over events that unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja, including a reported altercation involving Sowore, a correctional officer, and some DSS operatives.

The agency disclosed that its Director-General has ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of operatives involved in the incident.

According to the DSS, Sowore’s prosecution stemmed from social media posts made in August 2025 in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”

The agency stated that before filing charges, it had written to Sowore requesting a retraction of the statement, adding that legal action was only pursued after no retraction was made.

Read More: Omoyele Sowore: The Iron Man of Nigerian Activism and the Fight Against Power: https://shemariahmedia.blogspot.com/2026/06/omoyele-sowore-iron-man-of-nigerian.html

The DSS further maintained that it neither arrested Sowore nor opposed the bail earlier granted to him by the court.

It noted that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition at the commencement of the trial and that the circumstances leading to the revocation of his bail and subsequent remand were entirely matters for the court.

The Service also defended its approach to handling disputes involving alleged defamatory publications, citing previous instances where it sought judicial interpretation or demanded public apologies instead of making arrests.

The DSS assured Nigerians of its commitment to professionalism, civility, and adherence to the rule of law in carrying out its operations.