‘Kuje prison not hotel’, CSO tackles Sowore over criticism of DSS

The Centre for Public Integrity (CPI) has criticised activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore over his recent remarks against the Department of State Services (DSS), describing his comments as unfair and inconsistent with what it called the agency’s reforms.

In a statement signed by its representative, Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani, the group argued that Sowore now enjoys his constitutional rights under the current leadership of the DSS but has continued to attack the agency despite what it described as improvements in its operations.

The CPI recalled Sowore’s arrest on August 3, 2019, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari over the #RevolutionNow protests.

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It noted that although he met his bail conditions, he remained in DSS custody for more than four months and was later rearrested inside a courtroom in Abuja, with restrictions placed on his movement for an extended period.

According to the group, Sowore’s experience under the previous administration differs significantly from his current treatment by the security agency, arguing that his continued criticism ignores what it described as positive changes under the leadership of DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi.

“It is highly ironic that Sowore, who was once subjected to prolonged detention and restricted movement, now moves freely from one event to another, fully enjoying the democratic space, yet continues to attack the same institution,” Danfulani said.

The organisation further claimed that the DSS has become more professional, adding that its conduct has received recognition from judicial stakeholders and other observers.

The CPI also accused Sowore of persistently attacking state institutions, alleging that his actions align with the interests of foreign organisations seeking to undermine Nigeria’s stability.

“We cannot keep quiet when critical government institutions are intentionally blackmailed to satisfy the ego of one man,” the statement said.

The group further condemned Sowore’s reported description of security operatives as “stupid” and “criminal,” describing such remarks as disrespectful to personnel who risk their lives in the line of duty.

The organisation also questioned Sowore’s political ambitions, alleging that his presidential bids have failed to gain widespread support and accusing him of attacking prominent opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.

In addition, the CPI alleged that Sowore occupies multiple leadership positions within the African Action Congress (AAC), claiming the party functions as his personal political platform.

Responding to Sowore’s complaints about the conditions of his detention, including claims that he was held alongside inmates suffering from tuberculosis, Danfulani dismissed the concerns.

“Kuje prison is not a hotel. A correctional facility is meant for detention, not luxury,” he said.

The Centre urged Nigerians to support the DSS and other security agencies, including the military and the police, as they carry out their constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and maintaining national security.