DSS: We received the order to release Sowore but no one showed up for him

The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed receiving the court order on the release of Omoyele Sowore, convener of the Revolution Now movement.

Sowore was arrested in Lagos on August 3 and later flown to Abuja where he is being detained.

A federal high court in Abuja had granted him bail but after fulfilling the conditions of the bail, the secret police did not allow him leave its custody.

This sparked a nationwide outrage, with Femi Falana, his lawyer, threatening to sue the DSS.

In a statement on Friday, Peter Afunanya, spokesman of the DSS, said while the agency has received the order, no one has visited the DSS to take delivery of the activist.

“The DSS wishes to confirm that it has received the court order for the release of Omoyele Sowore,” the statement read.

“It is important that the public notes that since the receipt of the Order, no person has turned up at the DSS to take delivery of him. This becomes imperative for reasons of accountability.

“However, the Court has been properly briefed on this development and the steps being taken to ensure compliance with its Order.

“The Service, under the leadership of Yusuf Magaji Bichi (fwc), as the Director General, is not a lawless organization and will never obstruct justice or disobey Court Orders. It, therefore, affirms that it will do all that is needful once the appropriate processes have been concluded.”