Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), has reportedly instructed airport security and immigration officials to intercept and detain prominent human rights activist Omoyele Sowore upon his return to the country. According to SaharaReporters, this directive was issued by the newly appointed DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, in response to Sowore’s involvement in the recent 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests.
A source at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport disclosed that Sowore’s name has been added to a security watchlist, with the DSS boss ordering his arrest due to his participation in the protests and an upcoming demonstration planned for October 1. This move has raised concerns about potential violations of Sowore’s rights to freedom of expression and movement.
During a September 4, 2024, interview with Cordelia Okpei on “The Voice of the Peoples” program, Sowore confirmed that he had received credible information about the directive, which mandates his immediate arrest upon arrival in Nigeria. He criticized the DSS Director General for focusing on political vendettas instead of addressing the country’s severe security challenges.
Sowore stated, “We have drawn our next protest which is in October. They called me several times. They have my name at the airport. I am on their watchlist as I was told by several people. So, they will most likely arrest me when I return to Nigeria but that will not stop me. I will go to Nigeria whenever I want to go to Nigeria, it is my country. I don’t have any other country other than Nigeria.”
He further expressed his determination to continue his activism, noting that the actions of the DSS only underscore the challenges faced by Nigerians under oppressive leadership. Efforts to reach DSS spokesperson Dr. Peter Afunanya for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.