Sowore slams DSS over status upgrade on watchlist

A human rights activist and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the Department of State Services for upgrading his status and name on its “watchlist”.

The activist shared a copy of the DSS signal where his status was upgraded with our correspondent on Thursday.

Dated August 16, 2024, and signed by 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 recognise 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.”

A response was being awaited by the DSS at the time of filing this report.