Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately release activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, urging the agency to focus its resources on combating banditry and terrorism rather than prosecuting government critics.

Frank made the call in a statement on Tuesday following Monday’s ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail. Justice Mohammed Umar had dismissed Sowore’s application seeking his recusal over alleged bias and adjourned the matter to June 24 for the hearing of his motion for stay of execution.

Describing Sowore’s detention as “a national disgrace” and “a dangerous assault on democracy,” Frank insisted that the activist had committed no offence warranting arrest or continued detention. He alleged that the prosecution was politically motivated and formed part of a broader attempt to intimidate opposition politicians, journalists, civil society organisations and other government critics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Frank, the increasing use of security agencies against dissenting voices reflects a shrinking democratic space and growing intolerance of opposition.”The arrest of Omoyele Sowore is a disgrace and a show of shame by the DSS. It is nothing but political victimisation and a desperate attempt to intimidate opposition leaders and silence voices of dissent in the country,” he said.

Frank maintained that freedom of expression is guaranteed under the Constitution and that criticising government policies does not amount to a criminal offence.

“Sowore has not committed any offence. He merely exercised his constitutional right to speak on issues affecting Nigerians. If the government disagrees with his views, it should respond with facts and good governance, not harassment and intimidation,” he said.

The former APC spokesman, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, argued that many of the issues raised by critics—including insecurity, economic hardship and poor governance—are realities confronting Nigerians. He questioned the priorities of the DSS, saying the agency appeared more interested in pursuing opposition figures than tackling armed bandits and terrorists responsible for widespread violence across the country.

“Unfortunately, the DSS seems more interested in going after opposition figures than confronting the bandits and terrorists terrorising innocent Nigerians,” Frank said.He also urged the judiciary to remain impartial and resist any attempt to use the courts to stifle political dissent.

“The judiciary must be careful not to allow itself to be used to undermine democracy. Nigerians are watching, and history will judge every institution by the role it plays at this critical moment,” he stated.

Frank further called on the international community, particularly democratic nations, to closely monitor developments in Nigeria, expressing concern over what he described as growing restrictions on civil liberties and political freedoms. He reiterated his demand for Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, urging the DSS to remain professional, non-partisan and focused on its constitutional responsibility of protecting national security.