Prominent Activist and Politician Omoyele Sowore Arrested by DSS Upon Arrival in Nigeria
Renowned activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his return to Nigeria.
Sowore’s arrest was confirmed by fellow activist Deji Adeyanju, who stated that the activist was apprehended by the Nigerian government for advocating for an end to bad governance.
According to reports, Sowore was arrested at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Sunday morning.
His flight from Washington Dulles International Airport had arrived in Lagos at approximately 9:43 WAT.
Prior to his arrest, a leaked DSS memo dated September 12, 2024, revealed that the agency had been instructed to apprehend Sowore upon his arrival in Nigeria.
Sowore himself had disclosed on his verified Facebook page that Nigerian security forces were attempting to track him down in his hometown in Ondo State.
Sowore claimed that security agencies were plotting to frame him for bogus offenses. He expressed his defiance, stating, “Babylon must fall! #FearlessInOctober.”
Following his arrest, Sowore took to his official X handle to reveal that he had been detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service and his international passport confiscated.
He wrote, “I had 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.”
Sowore attributed his detention to the “fascist @officialAbat regime’s” broader crackdown on dissent and its fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.
He urged citizens to engage in direct actions slated for October 1 and beyond to resist tyranny.
Sowore’s arrest has sparked concerns about the Nigerian government’s commitment to democratic values and human rights.
The African Action Congress presidential candidate has been a vocal critic of the government, advocating for improved governance and accountability.
Background
Omoyele Sowore has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, running for president in the 2023 elections.
His activism has focused on promoting good governance, transparency, and human rights.
The DSS has been criticized for its handling of high-profile cases, including the arrest and detention of activists and journalists.
The agency’s actions have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
Fellow activists and supporters have condemned Sowore’s arrest, viewing it as a blatant attempt to silence dissenting voices. Deji Adeyanju described the arrest as “lawless” and accused the Nigerian government of being “jobless.”
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for Sowore’s immediate release and an end to the Nigerian government’s crackdown on dissent.
