News

DSS denies involvement in Sowore’s arrest inside the court premises

Published

6 years ago

December 7, 2019

Editor

PRESS RELEASE

DSS AND THE 6TH DECEMBER, 2019 FEDERAL HIGH COURT, ABUJA INCIDENT

It has become important that the Department of State Services responds to the serial misinformation being circulated in the media about its involvement in the incident that occurred on 6th December, 2019 at the Federal High Court, Abuja. It is instructive to note that during the court proceeding of the day under reference, Defence Counsel, Femi FALANA (SAN), called the attention of the Judge to a suspicion that the Service was planning to re-arrest Omoyele SOWORE immediately after the court session. The Court discountenanced his alarm and asserted that the Service was law abiding and would not engage in such and subsequently adjourned to February, 2020.

However, when SOWORE stepped out of the court and sighted operatives of the Service within the premises, he ran back into the courtroom. In a bid to shield him from an imaginary arrest, his uncontrollable supporters mobbed him while chanting “you can’t arrest him” thus the pandemonium that ensued.

A critical look at the videos in circulation would convince any objective viewer that there was no DSS personnel during the entire period the Sowore crowd acted out its orchestrated drama. Its personnel were never, at any time, involved in the incident. In actual fact, it was his people who seized him. And from the latest developments, it has become obvious what the intent for such mischief was meant for – simply to serve a propagandist purpose as well as bring the Service to disrepute.

Eye witness and several media accounts have disclosed that the Court had adjourned peacefully without an untoward incident when suddenly the unruly crowd imported into the Courtroom went into frenzy on the mere suspicion that DSS was sighted at the court premises. The eventual re-arrest of Sowore by the DSS was effected outside the courtroom. His lead counsel has affirmed this.

The DSS, as a professional, responsible and law abiding Organization, could not have invaded a courtroom including the one presided over by a respected Judge who is not only handling its case but whose Order was unconditionally obeyed within a 24 hour ultimatum. The Service holds the judiciary in utmost respect and will continue to work with it for national peace and public safety in Nigeria.

It has therefore become unarguable and raises a moral question as to who, between Sowore and the Service, dislikes or disobeys the Courts. In this regard, public attention may be drawn to the 25th July 2019 statement of SOWORE that “I’m not talking of protest. I’m embarking on revolution… Don’t tell me about legal implications or what a Judge will say. I don’t care …” On 5th December when SOWORE was released, he had, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja addressed a group of persons who, he reassured of his cause to create anarchy in the country.

It may be recalled that the Service had on 3rd December, 2019 raised alarm about a plot to destabilize the country. It is quite remarkable that the plot has already started playing out. To ensure this objective is further achieved, some persons and groups are scurrying to seize the opportunity of the misleading court incident and the wrong narrative against the DSS to organize an insurrection in the country. They have continued to falsely curry and mobilize international sentiments and attention, through clear misrepresentation of the facts, for their selfish ends.

For emphasis, it should be noted that SOWORE is facing trial not as an activist, journalist or a politician, but for his resort to call for violence, forceful takeover of government and suspected transnational illegal activities. It is most unfortunate that SOWORE, shortly after being released from custody, based on court order, resorted to acts inimical to security. To this effect, only SOWORE has been re-arrested as his co-defendant, Olawale BAKARE, was not picked up even when FALANA had promised to deliver him to the Service that is not presently interested in him.

Though sections of the populace have been fed with spurious narratives about these developments, Nigerians and the International Community should not be gullible or even vulnerable to the machinations of groups desirous of misleading them.

The Service is committed to the discharge of its mandate of detecting and preventing threats against the internal security of Nigeria. It supports democracy in the country and will do all that is legal to protect it. It will also ensure that efforts of anti-democratic forces are frustrated.

Peter Afunanya, Ph.D
Public Relations Officer,
Department of State Services,
National Headquarters,
Abuja
7th December, 2019

News

UK-Based Blogger Maureen Badejo Set For Court Appearance

Published

2 hours ago

February 7, 2026

Editor

Popular UK-based Nigerian blogger and social commentator, Maureen Badejo, is set to appear before the Federal High Court on Monday to answer to a multiple -count charge being proposed by the police legal team to find fault, her lawyer, Barrister George Ogunjimi, has disclosed.

Chief Ogunjimi, the Bamofin of Ojo, Lagos and a dual jurisdiction practitioner revealed that Badejo recently returned to Nigeria in connection with an appeal court matter scheduled to hold in Ibadan on the 16th of February 2026 prior to her encounter with law enforcement authorities.

According to him, Badejo was arrested and interrogated by operatives of the Cybercrime Unit at Adekunle Police Station, Yaba, Lagos, following a petition reportedly filed by Apostle Johnson Suleman.

He clarified that contrary to speculation, the blogger voluntarily honoured the police invitation herself, presenting at the station without resistance.

“She was not picked up or abducted. She went to the police station personally in response to the invitation,” Ogunjimi said.

The lawyer added that while she was still at the station, another petition allegedly emerged, this time from the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Pastor Daniel Olukoya, which subsequently led to her being held and later detained at the Alagbon detention facility.

Despite the development, Ogunjimi expressed confidence in her legal prospects, assuring supporters that his team is fully prepared to defend her.

“We are optimistic. The alleged offences are bailable, and by God’s grace, we will secure her bail on Monday,” he stated.

The case has since drawn public attention, particularly among Badejo’s followers both in Nigeria and the diaspora, as proceedings at the Federal High Court are expected to begin next week.

As of the time of reporting, the police had not issued an official statement explaining the legal basis for Badejo’s arrest or detention.

Badejo has previously been involved in legal disputes with Apostle Suleiman, including a 2022 UK High Court ruling that dismissed his defamation claim and ordered him to pay her £19,601 in costs.

She has also publicised allegations made by a former MFM pastor against Dr Olukoya.

The case has sparked renewed concerns over press freedom and the use of cybercrime laws in Nigeria.

News

Photos: Dakore Akande And Timini Lay Father To Rest

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2026

Editor

Nollywood siblings Dakore Akande and Timini Egbuson have finally laid their father to rest.

Earlier this year, actor, Timini Egbuson, had announced the passing of his father. He said he never thought he would start the year by saying RIP to his dad, and promised to continue to make him proud.

His sister, Dakore Akande, expressed how heartbroken she is, yet glad that he was free from pain. She expressed gratitude for the memories and laughter, the legacy of excellence that he instilled in them, and his love for music and looking stylish.

Timini father's burial

Taking to his Instagram page, Timini shared photos from his low-key burial ceremony, which was attended only by family.

In his caption, he revealed that they said their final goodbyes as he bade his father farewell. The popular actor said his father’s strength and love will always guide them.

“We said our final goodbyes. Rest well, Papa. Your strength and love will always guide me”.

Timini father's burial

SOURCE

News

US Mission Decries Horrific Kwara Massacre, Pledges Support For Tinubu’s Security Strategy

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2026

Editor

The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the horrific and senseless attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State that reportedly claimed over 160 lives.

In a statement released on February 6, 2026, the U.S. expressed its condolences and backed President Bola Tinubu’s immediate security and humanitarian response.

JomogNews reports that while the Nigerian Police Force said 75 persons were confirmed killed in the assault on Woro and Nuku communities, local sources and international observers put the death toll significantly higher.

In a statement on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the attack as “horrific,” saying more than 160 people were feared dead, with many still unaccounted for.

“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara state in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” the statement read.

It welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deploy security forces to protect affected communities.

“We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice,” the statement added.

The reaction adds to international condemnation of the attack, which had earlier drawn rebukes from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.

Tinubu had ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the creation of a new military command to lead the operation, following the assault on Woro and Nuku communities.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to Kaiama and surrounding communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield would help deter further violence, adding that security forces were already on the ground.