RE: 'REMAND' OF OMOYELE SOWORE
The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted concerns of some citizens over events at a Federal High Court in Abuja on 22nd June 2026, leading to the remand of Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison. Of more concern, is the scene depicting Sowore's altercation with an official of Custodial Center and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service. Although at the end of the saga, he curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service, the Director General has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of Service operatives involved in the incident. Notwithstanding, it is expedient to set the records straight.
On 25th August 2025, Omoyele Sowore, made a post on his personal X and Facebook handles, wherein he stated "this criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE CORRUPTION in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly." Thus, disparaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and embelishing his statement. Rather than resort to arrest, the Service, in a letter dated 4th September, 2025 demanded a retraction within one week. This is in line with the practice of the current DG-DSS to resolve such issues without use of force, failure to which it may resort to judicial interpretation.
Specifically, in the case of Prof. Pat Utomi's Shadow Government, the Service sought a judicial explanation even without any arrest or invitation. The Federal High Court thereafter declared the Shadow Government unconstitutional. Also, the false publications on Lagos State House of Assembly invasion by Service operatives and a similar report by Order Paper, alleging a barricade of the National Assembly Complex, the Service demanded a public apology rather than apprehend anyone in both instances. It is on record that, DSS withdrew all charges immediately after the defaulting media houses made a redress.
In the same vein, two Service operatives sought judicial redress and won their cases against SERAP for defamation and libel on their false alarm of an invasion by the said operatives. In this case also, the Court delivered judgment in favour of the said operatives. In all these, the Service maintained its hygiene and adherence to rule of law.
Therefore, in line with SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999, made pursuant to NSA Act of 1986, the Service filed charges against Sowore for contravening section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Amendment Act, 2024 in a suit FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025 seeking a judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the President. The public may wish to note that, Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition even without a surety at the commemcement of the trial, a position the Service did not oppose and even Sowore applauded the development.
From the foregoing, it is clear the issues that led to his bail revocation and subsequent remand were entirely premised on the court processes, as the Service neither arrested nor opposed his bail. DSS therefore assures of sustained priority to professionalism, with emphasis on civility in its operations, even at the face of provocation.
Favour Dozie
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
National Headquarters, State Services.
Abuja
June 23, 2026
We’re honoured to welcome Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu—Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation & 1st African President-Elect of @UICC—to #OxfordAfrica2025!
A fierce advocate for women’s health & cancer care across Africa.
🎟 https://t.co/xRjkY3PETU 🔗 https://t.co/kHs4s8qJLp
As part of our #CervicalCancerElimination day of action activities, I engaged a teen session at the @1ummahng convention in Abuja.
They had a lot of misconceptions about #HPV vaccine which we tried to dispel. Clearly, more awareness is needed amongst parents, teachers and other stakeholders- who have played a significant role in their misinformation. #CCEI #Tealtalk
As we gear towards 2024 cervical cancer elimination day on the 17th of November, I had useful conversations with the Roche Anglophone Africa team led by Roberto Taboada. One of the cornerstones of the cervical cancer elimination initiative is screening for HPV using high performance tests. @MedicaidRD is home to one of few Cobas 4800 systems in Nigeria and WHO pre qualified platforms.
To enable us generate more demand, especially in the private sector and out of donor funded programs, we need robust partnerships to ultimately reduce the cost. #cervicalcheck2024 #cervicalcancer
Thank you so much. I look forward to contributing to your cancer control plans and seeing your new comprehensive cancer center take off, under the leadership of Hon @Adaeze_Oreh 🙏🏾
FACT: CANCER IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE.
These beautiful ladies have fought, or are fighting cancer. I included Maria because she helped her mum beat cervical cancer. We must not forget to celebrate the care givers.
At #WCC2024, patient advocates took center stage, with a surprising number from LMICs. We are winning.
I chair the Network of Persons Living with Cancer of Nigeria and it can be quite emotional watching the wins. Let’s celebrate these heros.
Announcement: Appointment of Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu @DrZSB as the Senior Advisor on Women’s Health and Cancer Advocacy to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare @Fmohnigeria.
Dr. Bagudu, a Consultant Paediatrician and renowned cancer advocate, has over 20 years of experience in health leadership and advocacy. As the CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation @MedicaidcfP and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer @FlacNigeria, she has championed cancer awareness and women’s health initiatives, driving impactful programs and fostering collaboration with various health agencies.
As a Senior Adviser, Dr. Bagudu will provide strategic guidance and expert advice to advance our national health objectives, particularly in the areas of cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and women’s health promotion. Her extensive experience and dedication to women’s health will be instrumental in driving impactful health initiatives and improving outcomes for women and adolescent girls across Nigeria.
Dr. Bagudu will work closely with various federal ministries, health agencies, and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan and other critical health interventions. Her role will also involve fostering multisectoral collaboration to enhance public health prevention and promotion activities in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT.
I congratulate and welcome Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu to this position. I am confident that her expertise will significantly contribute to the advancement of our health sector.
Although I am a Paediatrician, a significant portion of my career has been dedicated to improving the lives of women in Nigeria, especially those battling cancer.
I deeply appreciate this recognition. Together with my incredible family of advocates, we shall forge ahead, with renewed hope and determination.
Thank you, Honorable Minister, @muhammadpate, not just for finding me worthy, but also highlighting the need to focus on “cancer advocacy”. This is a first and consistent with your track record of firsts.
Thank you very much Sir 🙏🏾 🙏🏾🙏🏾