The Department of State Service (DSS) on Sunday denied the arrest of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, after his brief detention by officers of Nigeria Immigration Services, NIS.
Sowore was arrested on Sunday morning at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State, by Nigerian immigration officials but later released.
A source at the DSS said the agency had nothing to do with the arrest as speculated by some media platforms (not Hensard Times).
He said though the politician was once on the watch list of the DSS, his name had since been removed, and therefore there was no reason to arrest him.
The source said, “We have nothing to do with Sowore being arrested. He used to be on our watch list; at the moment he is not on our watch list.
“I don’t know why some media platforms would be so reckless in their reporting. I expected them to do little investigation and know which agency carried out the arrest.“
Sowore had written after his arrest: “I have just arrived in Nigeria from the USA at MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me.
“This is not unexpected because I have always known that it is part of the broader clampdown,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sowore was said to have been released minutes after his arrest.
In a post via his official X handle, Sowore revealed that he had been released by the Nigerian Immigration Service and his passport had also been released.
“I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention, and my passport was released back to me,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) on Sunday ordered an immediate investigation into viral video footage alleging unjust incarceration of a Naval rating, Abbas Haruna, for six years without trial. The DHQ also noted that the new order was in response to the allegation.
A statement by the Acting Director, Defense Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who ordered the investigation, Sunday night, also promised that the outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course.
“DHQ has taken notice of a circulating video clip alleging the unjust incarceration of a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, for six years. The DHQ assured the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” Gusau said.
He stated that the military court-martial process, though meticulous, ensures fairness, equal opportunity, and justice in accordance with established military procedures and the law.
The DHQ urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated information while the investigation is ongoing, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces will ensure a speedy and transparent investigation.
