Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday.
Sowore had been returning to Nigeria after spending time with his family in the United States, with his flight departing from Washington Dulles International Airport and landing in Lagos around 9:43 WAT.
Prior to his arrival, it was reported that members of the Take It Back Movement and other activists had gathered at the airport to welcome him. On Thursday, September 12, 2024, news emerged that a DSS directive ordering Sowore’s arrest upon arrival had been leaked. In response, Sowore condemned the DSS for prioritizing his arrest while failing to address serious security issues like terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
In a social media post, Sowore criticized the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, stating that they had failed to apprehend key suspects while placing him on a “watchlist” for arrest. He added that he planned to return to Nigeria soon, regardless of the threats against him, emphasizing that his country needed liberation and salvation.
Earlier in September, reports indicated that the DSS had directed airport security and immigration officials to detain Sowore upon his return. This directive, reportedly issued by the new DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, was linked to Sowore’s involvement in the recent 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests and his plans for an upcoming demonstration on October 1.
A leaked memo from the DSS detailed instructions for security personnel to immediately detain Sowore and escort him to the National Headquarters of State Security (NHSS) upon his arrival. The memo, signed by Adeola D. Ali, was circulated to ensure strict compliance with the order.
A source at the Lagos airport confirmed that Sowore’s name had been added to the security watchlist, specifically due to his role in the protests and his plans for future demonstrations. During an interview on September 4, 2024, Sowore revealed that he had received credible intelligence confirming his name was on the DSS watchlist, and that his arrest was imminent upon his return to Nigeria.
Sowore also criticized the new DSS leadership for focusing on political vendettas rather than tackling the widespread insecurity plaguing the nation. He vowed to return to Nigeria despite the threats, stating that Nigeria was his only country and that he was determined to confront the oppressive tactics of the government. He further emphasized the need for resistance against the damage being done to the Nigerian populace and expressed no fear of the consequences of his activism.