Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday forcibly removed activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore from an Abuja courtroom shortly after a judge ordered his remand at Kuje Correctional Centre, sparking widespread reactions on social media.
According to accounts circulating online, the incident occurred when security operatives moved in to extract Sowore from the court premises, reportedly using an elevator as the means of removal, a detail that drew criticism from several commentators who questioned the tactical decision.
The development has triggered a wave of commentary across social media, with Nigerians divided over the circumstances surrounding the arrest and what it represents for the country’s political and security landscape.
The action of the DSS has caused a buzz on different social media platforms.
Prince Wale1960 (@wale1960) wrote: “All those saying he cannot be arrested should come forward and bail him now. This is a clear reminder that no one is above the law. Some people think they are untouchable simply because their time has not come yet. If you keep doing it anyhow, just wait until the government turns its attention to you. When that day comes, we will see who is willing and able to defend you. The law has a way of catching up with everyone eventually.”
A.M Temidayo (@AnewNaija) commented: “The men of @OfficialDSSNG love to display brute force against civilians but cannot muster the same energy when confronting terrorists who threaten national security. It is deeply disappointing that a security agency funded by taxpayers would invade the sanctity of a court to manhandle a citizen, yet remain largely passive where real danger exists. Utterly shameful, to say the least.”
DeConsult (@_DeConsult) noted: “Sowore was one of the people who brought the APC in 2015. This same Sahara Reporters was used maliciously against GEJ, under whose government such a thing cannot happen. Today, I am happy that Sowore is eating the fruit of his labour. Congratulations to him.”
Uduako Mmili (@UduakoMmili3) warned: “When we are ready… what happened in Nepal will be a comedy show compared to what’s due in Nigeria…”
Peter (@3xPierre) questioned the security approach: “In my mind, I am thinking, which right-thinking security architecture decides to use an elevator as an extraction medium. Someone should have just cut that power off and seen how things fall apart really fast. And Gumi is walking free. I am also thinking of the scene from Hitman (Agent 47).”
King Rubies 1 (@beesking11) remarked: “All these Nigerian forces dey sabi flex muscles with armless citizens! When e reaches prodigal sons, them dey soft like bread.”
Comrade Omoyoma Emmanuel (@xexiboy2) reacted: “Finally, they picked him up. I knew this day would come. The DSS must be rejoicing now. They are going after the Voices of the people. Yesterday, VDM’s mum warned VDM of a plot against him. Today, Sowore is reprimanded in prison. It is not well oo.”
Mallam Adamu Jauro II 🇳🇬 (@AdamuAJauroII) drew comparisons to other political figures: “Omokri is an ambassador, Bwala is presidential spokesperson, bandits and Boko Haram are being pardoned. But Sowore was sent to Kuje prison, El-Rufai remains in detention, while Yari, Matawalle, and Ganduje walk free, all in the same administration. What a country.”
Man like me (@manlikezeal_) argued: “DSS operatives can violently abduct Sowore inside a court, but when it is bandits and terrorists killing Nigerians daily, they suddenly disappear. This is how they tussle for power. They are very active when it comes to silencing opposition, but powerless against real enemies of the people. This selective strength is wickedness.”
However, not everyone sympathised with the activist.
S Uthman (@Sah_Uthman) offered a contrasting view: “Sowore is clearly staging pure drama for his gullible followers. Why else would someone as exposed as him deliberately flout a court order while on bail, only to turn around and play the victim card? He knew the consequences the moment he chose not to appear in court. He even showed up with his luggage, so why the sudden resistance? He already knew he was going to be free lodged at Kuje Correctional Centre.”
