Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday. Sowore, the founder of Sahara Reporters and a key figure in the #EndBadGovernance and #RevolutionNow movements, had just returned from the United States when he was intercepted by DSS operatives.
The arrest, which comes amid increasing tension between the Nigerian government and its critics, is said to be tied to Sowore’s ongoing activism and his involvement in organizing protests against the government. Particularly, his role in the 10-day #EndBadGovernance demonstrations has drawn significant attention from the authorities.
Before his arrest, Sowore had posted on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that the DSS had placed him on a watchlist and ordered his immediate detention upon arrival. He accused the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, of prioritizing political crackdowns over addressing the country’s escalating security challenges. In his statement, Sowore criticized the DSS for its failure to apprehend criminals like bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers, while targeting activists for speaking out against poor governance.
The arrest appears to have been premeditated. A leaked memo from the DSS, dated earlier in September, revealed that the agency had ordered airport security and immigration authorities to arrest Sowore upon his return to Nigeria. The memo, signed by a top DSS official, Adeola D. Ali, included explicit instructions to detain Sowore and transfer him directly to DSS custody. This directive, according to reports, was issued by the newly appointed DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, who is said to be acting on orders tied to Sowore’s upcoming October 1 protest plans.
Sowore’s arrest is the latest in a series of confrontations between the activist and the Nigerian government. He has consistently called for reforms, often through civil disobedience and protests. His #EndBadGovernance movement, which has criticized the administration’s handling of issues such as insecurity, corruption, and economic mismanagement, has gained significant traction both in Nigeria and internationally. Despite the risks, Sowore remains undeterred, stating before his arrest that no amount of intimidation would stop him from returning to his country and leading protests.
The DSS, under Ajayi’s leadership, has faced increasing scrutiny for its handling of political dissent. Critics have accused the agency of operating as a tool for the government to silence opposition voices, especially as Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, economic hardship, and public discontent. Sowore’s arrest is likely to spark further outrage among human rights groups and supporters, who view his detention as a clear violation of his rights to free speech and assembly.
Members of the Take It Back Movement, along with other activists, had gathered at the airport in anticipation of Sowore’s arrival, only to witness his immediate arrest by DSS officers. Sowore’s flight, which departed from Washington Dulles International Airport, touched down in Lagos around 9:43 WAT. Supporters have vowed to continue advocating for his release and have warned that his detention could trigger larger protests in the coming weeks.
This incident has reignited concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, particularly the shrinking space for dissent and free expression. Many observers are waiting to see how the Tinubu administration will respond to growing opposition, with some already warning that the continued suppression of activists like Sowore could lead to further unrest.
As of now, the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on Sowore’s arrest, while his legal team is reportedly preparing to take action to secure his release.
