Sowore slams DSS for upgrading his watchlist status

An activist and a presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has taken a swipe at the Department of State Services for upgrading his status and name on their “watchlist.”

The activist shared a copy of the DSS signal, where his status was upgraded, with newsmen on Thursday evening.

Dated August 16, 2024, and signed by one Adeola Ali, the signal ordered operatives to arrest Sowore upon his arrival in the country.

It read, “I am directed to inform you that the DSSDG has approved the upgrading of Watchlist B (Report arrival and destination by telephone immediately) to Watchlist F (Detain traveller and escort with baggage to National Headquarters). Vide DSE: 9A/6201 against Omoyele Sowore, an activist and founder of Sahara Reporters. This is for your strict compliance.”

Reacting, Sowore vowed to return home very soon despite the directives.

He said, “The current administration, led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated an upgraded inability to effectively track and apprehend terrorism suspects, bandits, and kidnappers, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has yet to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

“Meanwhile, the DSS has upgraded my status and name on their “watchlist” for arrest upon arrival in Nigeria.

“It is imperative to recognize that our country, Nigeria, requires salvation, and our people need liberation, which will necessitate considerable effort.

“We cannot stop because we have some misguided elements running our country because they hijacked power, illegitimately. I intend to return home shortly, I mean very soon.”

Checks to verify Sowore’s claim were sent to the DSS official email and are yet to be responded to.