₦airaland Forum

By any standard, Omoyele Sowore is a familiar name in Nigeria’s political space. He brands himself as a revolutionary, a voice of the masses, and a fearless critic of the government. But let’s be honest: there’s a big difference between activism and reckless agitation, and Sowore often crosses that line. That’s why the Department of State Services (DSS) is right to keep him in check.

We must face the truth: Nigeria is not a playground. The country is dealing with fragile security, economic pressures, and social divisions. In such a climate, words are not just words; they can be sparks. When Sowore talks about “revolution” or throws around rhetoric that sounds more like a call to insurrection than constructive criticism, he’s not just exercising free speech—he’s toying with national stability.

The DSS has a mandate: to protect the state from threats, both internal and external. Whether we like it or not, agitation that hints at overthrowing order qualifies as such a threat. If they fold their arms and chaos erupts, the same people who cry foul today will ask, “Where were the security agencies?” Prevention, no matter how unpopular, is better than cleaning up the mess later.

Critics will say, “But Sowore has rights.” Absolutely, and those rights should be respected. But rights are not a blank cheque to cause disorder. Every freedom comes with responsibility. If your speech can push people to violence or deepen instability, don’t expect the state to look away. Even in the most advanced democracies, when speech crosses into incitement, law enforcement steps in. Nigeria should not be different.

Let’s be clear: this is not about silencing opposition. Sowore still has platforms, still grants interviews, and still shares his views. But there is a fine line between dissent and disruption. The DSS is drawing that line, and frankly, it’s about time someone did.

The truth is simple: Nigeria needs critics, but it doesn’t need chaos. Sowore should learn that agitation without responsibility is a danger to the very people he claims to fight for. Until then, the DSS is right to treat his rhetoric with the seriousness it deserves.

Dr. Olarewaju Akintoye writing from Ekiti

By Danladi Shehu

If a man cooks for a community ,the meal would scarcely go round, However, if a community decides to cook for a man, the feast will overwhelm him - old African proverb. The foregoing may have aptly captured the likely outcome of the current standoff between the Department of State Services (DSS) and Omoyele Sowore, activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections.

Speaking during his latest state visit to Brazil in late August, President Bola Tinubu, while wooing Brazilian investors, assured that his government had rid the foreign currency exchange market of speculators and corruption. For emphasis, the president stressed, "The Central Bank Governor is here. You do not need to know him before getting the foreign exchange that you need."

I watched the entire remarks made by President Tinubu. At no point did claim to have rid Nigeria of corruption, as that would have been preposterous. President Tinubu was specific about foreign currency operations under his watch. And he didn't mince words about that.... read more...
https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/editorial/the-dss-sowore-and-the-village-feast.html

While Sowore have continue to cry wolf where there is none with his recent tantrums directed against the very institutions that glue this nation together. concerns raised by Sowore project a picture of persecution and national disgrace, it is important to present a balanced view grounded in facts, law, and the realities of governance.

First, the Department of State Services (DSS) is mandated under Nigerian law to safeguard internal security, protect the state from subversion, and curb threats that may destabilize public peace. When an individual or group engages in sustained campaigns on social media that are perceived as inciting unrest, promoting disaffection against the state, or edging toward possible national security breaches, the DSS has both the right and responsibility to engage with social media platforms in order to prevent escalation.

What is framed as “harassment” may in fact be legitimate state action aimed at preventing disorder. Nigeria has seen, in recent years, how unregulated social media campaigns can inflame tensions and even spark violence — from electoral crises to #EndSARS protests that began peacefully but degenerated into chaos. To preempt such outcomes, agencies often act decisively.

The claim that the DSS is “hired” to stage protests or silence critics oversimplifies a far more complex dynamic. Citizens also have the right to protest in favor of government policies or against perceived misinformation. To assume every pro-government demonstration is “hired” undermines the agency of ordinary Nigerians who may genuinely disagree with activists’ rhetoric.

Equally, allegations of being branded a “terrorism financier” are not to be dismissed as persecution without due process. Courts, not public opinion, are where these matters are resolved. The judiciary, as the third arm of government, provides avenues for redress, including the restoration of passports or the striking out of unjust charges if truly baseless.

The exportation of complaints to Twitter (X) or Facebook is not a “national disgrace” but a recognition that social media platforms — global as they are — can either be partners in curbing harmful content or enablers of destabilization. Governments across the world, including in the United States and the European Union, routinely pressure tech companies to suspend accounts linked to threats, misinformation, or extremist narratives. Nigeria cannot be an exception.

It is therefore misleading to present lawful state actions as mere “criminality” or “personal vendetta.” Democracies survive when rights are balanced with responsibilities, and when freedom of expression is exercised without undermining public safety or national cohesion.

In the end, the Nigerian state is not at war with its citizens but tasked with managing a fragile federation of over 200 million people, diverse in ethnicity, religion, and political interest. Security agencies may not always be perfect, but painting them as “rogues” only fuels mistrust and weakens national institutions that every Nigerian depends upon for stability.

The real struggle is not between an individual and the state, but between chaos and order. Responsible engagement, lawful dissent, and constructive criticism remain the hallmarks of genuine democratic struggle — not rhetoric that inflames and polarizes.

By Olufemi Toluwase Kenneth

A court in Finland has found him guilty for terrorism related offenses.
Simon, the self-appointed Prime Minister of Biafra, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment by a court in Finland for terrorism offenses.
He had been charged with using his social media accounts to incite terror acts in Nigeria. Next is that of his ally and fellow content creator, Mazi Nnamdi kanu

Kudos to FGN for securing his conviction. This is a classical case of justice served irrespective of borders. A matter that started just after his arrest in November 2024 and commencement of trial in December, has delivered judgment! That is the way to go. Speedy justice.

You can see back here in Nigeria, kanu has been on trial for 6years. Thumbs up👍 to the DSS boss for revisiting these terrorism-related cases and pushing for accelerated hearing including that of 2022 Owo church attackers, Albanawi, and Yelwata invaders. MNK is sure to receive his, soonest.

OMO! This new DSS Oga no come play. No delays as you commit..

Las Las the rooster has gone home to roost. Happy stay in prison to content creator!

The Päijät-Häme District Court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other offences, according to official court documents seen by BBC News Pidgin on Monday. The 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on multiple charges, including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The court ordered that Ekpa remain in custody. According to the judgment, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa attempted to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through illegal means.
“He used social media to gain a politically influential position and took advantage of the confusion within a key separatist movement in Nigeria to play a significant role in it,” the court statement stated as reported by BBC News pidgin.

Ekpa denied all the charges against him.

The court also found that Ekpa was instrumental in founding and developing the separatist movement into a more organised structure, working alongside others.

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army (NA) have eliminated more than 50 bandits and also rescued kidnapped victims in Kumbashi village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. read more...

https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/security/dss-na-eliminates-bandits-rescue-kidnapped-victims-in-niger.html

agulion:
Rip to them, pls do you remember the 13, People that was said to have been killed in Kastina mosque yesterday, do you know Aljesera reported 37 death, imagine how the are reporting Gaza death toll

mind you, 33 people were shot, but 27 died instantly. get that into your head.

Wahala don't tie gele. But why is this news co.ing up now?

The disappearance of Sunday and Calista Ifedi, a couple from Ezeagu in Enugu State, has been framed by some interest group as “abduction” carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS). However, a closer look suggests the narrative may be more complicated than it meets the eye. The Nigerian populace has over the years been pitched against the security agencies.

Security agencies in Nigeria, including the DSS, often conduct sensitive operations tied to the country’s internal security challenges, particularly around separatist movements such as IPOB, which has become a nightmare for both government and the populace in the southeastern part of the country. While allegations have been made that the Ifedis were specifically targeted and taken away due to suspected links to IPOB, no concrete evidence has been publicly provided to substantiate these claims. It is not unusual for individuals to be invited by security for questioning in relation to allegations leveled against them.
It is a standard operational procedure for security to parade their suspect before the court of law with thin the first 24-48hrs after their arrest to commence criminal proceedings. But in these case that Amnestty international are raising allegation four years later should be looked into. Why should the family be keeping quiet for the past four years begs for more question than answer..

The fact that Amnesty International and the family of the couple are unable to confirm their current whereabouts raises serious concerns, but that should not be construed for setting up the security agencies against the public, although the operation of DSS especially when national security is involved. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation and assumptions, but speculation should not be mistaken for fact.

It is also important to note that the DSS has not officially acknowledged the arrest or detention of the Ifedis, which casts doubt on the whole story whether DSS is actually involved. In Nigeria, disappearances can sometimes be attributed to communal disputes, criminal abductions by terrorist group, or politically motivated misinformation. Without verified documentation or legal records tying the couple’s fate to the DSS, the claim of “abduction” remains unproven. This is 21st century where law operates in every country.

While the anguish of the Ifedi children is undeniable and deserves empathy, the case may reflect a broader challenge of misinformation, unverified allegations, and the weaponization of human rights discourse to paint a one-sided picture of security operations. The more balanced approach would be to demand transparency and legal clarity from relevant authorities rather than amplifying unverified claims that risk inflaming tension

Thomas Johnbosco, writing from Abakiliki

I want to beleive our security agencies are ready for the terrorist this time around?

In its usual staged attempt to cause confusion and coerce presiding judges into arriving at rulings favourable to it, IPOB has once again
resorted to demanding that Justice Kolawole Omotosho must strike out the ongoing charges against Nnamdi Kanu. Ridiculous! They have added that the current charges against Kanu amounted to a resurrection of the
repealed Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013. Laughable, right? In
IPOB’s short-sighted insinuation, acts of mass murder committed and
charged by the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 – repealed in 2022 by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022 (Section 97) stand forgiven. And as usual, the powerful Emma signed and circulated the comical statement in the hopes that Justice Omotosho
could be cowed by it.


This, by the way, is not a first; it is rather the group’s latest
gimmick. Given that only days ago, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of
the federal government for the continuation of trial proceedings, despite IPOB’s cry against what they call an illegal rendition of Kanu from Kenya. For IPOB and this sustained delusion of wanting to cut Kanu loose from terrorism charges, everything is doable. Once Justice appears closer than ever, Kanu and his sympathisers resort to a circus of acts, attempting to insult Nigeria’s jurisprudence.


Akin to precedence, Kanu and his cohorts have also upped their antics from production of fake contents/graphics to spurn narratives in their
favour in a bid to maintain leech on their remnant of gullible
sympathisers, to adopting despicable levels of disinformation, malicious reports, in addition to outright defamation, to gain leverage in the
courts of public opinion. Eventually, in desperation, they turned to
harassing and embarrassing Judges in open Court to coerce or attempt to
hoodwink them into letting Kanu go free. However, aside from the conspiracies of terrorism and the litany of terror-related offences against Kanu, there are several acts prejudicial to judicial processes
that this group and its leader have contravened. The travails of the
members of the Nigerian Judiciary in the course of Kanu’s trial only climaxed with many ignoble accusations. He, Kanu, does this with ease.

In open Court, Kanu called Justice Nyako shameful, disgraceful, and
accused her of hobnobbing with lawyers in the AGF’s office and collecting bribes in hundreds of millions. He added that she was only assigned to his case in exchange for freedom for her son and husband from corruption charges. Allegations that he or any member of his legal team is yet to verify. Such antics became so damning for his case that
Kanu Agabi, SAN, his latest senior counsel, is said to have counselled
Nnamdi Kanu and the other members of his team, to apologise for their misdeeds in Court. I am beyond certain that Kanu is already preparing a
subterfuge against Justice Kolawole Omotosho. Before the endless drift
to appealing for reassignment of Judges, even Justice John Tsoho, was
not spared Kanu’s ridiculous on the claims suggestive of bias towards
his trial. Ask Hon. Justice Haruna Tsammani, who knows quite well that
no matter how well-intentioned one is, Nnamdi Kanu and his theatrics will certainly mudslide and defame every iota of sincerity one brings.


Meanwhile, it is noteworthy that despite several contemptuous actions,
all he and his cohorts have provoked is at best a slap on the wrist. For
instance, in June 2025, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, after raising a false and reckless alarm on X with allegations that the DSS denied his client’s visitation rights, he, Aloy, got away with a simple warning to either retract the claim or risk being barred from attending future trials. Linda Kanu, despite making videos of court proceedings, which she posted across social media platforms to stir controversy and intimidate Judges,
went scot-free. Without charge.

As the 10th October date draws near, it is expedient to caution public vigilance. For IPOB it is always well planned and orchestrated to malign and incite malicious actions, particularly hostile propaganda, against Judges and those on the prosecuting side. It shouldn't surprise if Kanu begins to feign illness, and begins to spread blackmail that the British government is conspiring with the Nigerian government. These antics are his stock in trade.

However, it should be known that the Supreme Court, in its judgment, held that the manner Kanu was
brought back to the country should not be an issue; and therefore,
ordered the continuation of Kanu’s trial. Kanu himself once stated in an
interview with journalists on 24th September, 2024, that he fully commits to the constitutional provision that any determination made by
the Supreme Court is binding and supercedes all rulings on the said subject by any lower Court.


Amnesty International (AI) in its report of 13th August 2025, A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South -East Nigeria
estimates that "between January 2021 and June 2023, about 1,844 people
were killed in the South-East region of Nigeria.” The report also cites several attacks on security agents by gunmen, leading to the unlawful killing of security agents and residents. AI further documented several cases of killings in different areas in the South-East by so-called
“unknown gunmen,” cult groups, IPOB, and its militant arm, the ESN.

Nnamdi Kanu cannot then absolve himself of bloodletting or innocent lost
souls, which by all standards in Nigeria, is a massive case to answer.
He might as well show up honourably on 10th October. This time, it’s a call for justice for scores of death and destruction of property caused by MNK in the South East, it is also a test of our dear nations judicial system. No amount of blackmail should sway justice for the slain. The judiciary must stand firm, and rule of law should be top most.

Chimenze Emelizie writes from Owerri, Imo State

FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO LAUDS PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU OVER THE ARREST OF MAHMUDA TERROR GROUP LEADER.

Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinibu over the arrest of Abubakar Abba, leader of Mahmuda, one of the most feared terror groups in Nigeria by the Departmentof State Services ( DSS ).

The Terror leader Abba was said to have been captured in Wawa, Borgu local government area of Niger State and has been taken to Abuja for further investigation.

Farmer Governor Umaru Bago described the move as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Bologi, the farmer governor said, “Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS. As you read.

He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.”

"This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.
"Abba's arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians.”

“Look at the appointments in the security services, especially the DSS. It takes a tremendous degree of intelligence and competence to, without firing a single shot, captured a high-profile terrorist like Abba. Where there is a will, they say, there is a way. Mr. President has consistently shown that willpower. That's why we are recording such successes,” he noted.

The farmer governor promised that the Niger State government would continue to collaborate with the federal government and security agencies to ensure that terrorism is halted in the country.

The media was recently awash with reports of the capture of the leader of the Mahmuda terror group who has been terrorising residents around the Kainji National Park in Niger State.

Residents of the communities in part of Niger and Kwara States who used to live in fear of the terror group suspected that all may not be well with the terror group after they noticed what they described as Abba's puzzling disappearance from public view.

Security sources hinted that, after weeks of surveillance, the DSS trailed and arrested the terror group leader in Wawa community, Borgu local government area of Nig er State.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to
the Governor of Niger State
12/8/2025.

The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, John Bakeni, has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army for the successful rescue of Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina, who was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on June 1. Father Afina was kidnapped in Gwoza, Borno State, drawing international concern due to his previous service as a priest in Alaska from September 2017 to 2024. He was taken along with an unspecified number of fellow travelers on the Liman Kara-Gwoza road in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
read more...
https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/security/insecurity-catholic-church-applauds-dss-army-for-rescue-of-rev-fr-and-others-freed-32-abducted-in-zamfara-by-boko-haram.html

The IPOB apologists are always at parity with the truth for their myopic understanding of how law operates. They were never a respecter of any law. Anyway, we are watching fingers crossed.

In a decisive move to rid its market of adulterated products, the Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers Association (ASPMDA) has announced that any member caught selling fake engine oil or counterfeit spare parts will permanently forfeit their shops, buildings, or plazas. The resolution was reached during an emergency general meeting held on Wednesday at the association’s hall inside the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. The meeting follows recent raids by the Department of State Security (DSS), which led to the seizure of large quantities of counterfeit engine oil and the arrest of several traders allegedly involved in the illicit trade......
read more
[b][/b]
https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/news/aspmda-cracks-down-on-fake-engine-oil-dealers-offenders-to-forfeit-shops-and-plazas.html

I said it, this man is always cunny. Why does it took him 10yrs to claim he wrote statement under duress . Haha now. He just remembered. Lol

I wish the present governor of plateau will seek an advice from the former governor Lalong on how he was.able to manage the plateau crises during his tenue.. the tention is becoming too much.

But let tell ourselves the truth. Is being long we lost it in this country to the men underworld. The best thing is self defense . Me I buy this idea. There is no monopoly of violence.

I don't know why some machants of confusion always find comfort in discrediting anything that is progressive. Anyway may God bless Nigeria.

In as much as the victim deserve justice, but it is the function of the state to give that justice through the court. In the meantime, people have to exercise some patience, because it is a process. One love.

A high court of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday began definite hearing in the case of defamation instituted by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
The officers instituted the case after SERAP, last September, failed to apologize to the secret police after accusing its operatives of invading its Abuja office. The DSS officers, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, consequently filed the defamation lawsuit in October 2024, seeking ₦5 billion in damages from SERAP.

In addition to the remedy sought by the officers for what they called reputational harm, was demand for an apology published on SERAP’s website, national dailies and television stations, N50 million for legal costs and 10 percent annual interest on the N5 billion until payment is completed.......

https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/security/court-commences-hearing-on-dss-5b-defamation-case-against-serap.html

A court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has fixed March 21 to begin definite hearing on a case of defamation filed by two officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The DSS officers had last October filed a defamation suit against SERAP after the organization failed to apologize for accusing the DSS officials of unlawfully invading its Abuja office a month earlier. Among the reliefs sought by the DSS officers are ₦5 billion in damages, an apology published on SERAP’s website, social media, and in national newspapers and TV Stations. In addition, was ₦50 million for legal costs and 10 percent annual interest on the N5 billion until payment is made in full........

https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/editorial/judge-okays-start-of-5bn-defamation-suit-by-dss-against-serap.html

Nigeria na wao, in my case I always avoid anything that will make me say sorry at the end. This stomach journalism. Guardian my foot.

The opacity of this man does not size to amaze me. He is just an aggressive influencer. And this is somebody that dream he can be leader in this country. I laugh in swahili....

when fraud is in your DNA. this criminals are operating at another level. look at them gaslighting the owner instead of calling their brother to order.

How can a sane human being blame the death of an 82yrs old man in Nigeria, and who died on his hospital bed on someone's neck. We like playing blame game in this country. Small time they will change and blame Tinubu for not providing wheel chair at the DSS office for Biafra leader. Make I see road I beg!

So because your fatwas wishing the government release Nnamdi Kanu, where was you father when Nnamdi kanu was calling for the killing of our military men, he did not tame Kanu. And when Buhari arrested him, all of a sudden, yur kinsmen are ranting on social media. Kanu must receive sense by force.

The United Kingdom Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has vowed that she will make sure that immigrants seeking British citizenship do not find it easy henceforth.
https://vigil360.com.ng/world/europe-news/kemi-badenoch-vows-to-make-it-hard-for-immigrants-seeking-british-citizenship.html

you have N7m and you are thinking of migrating, you are mad!

i know is only them that does not even spare one of them. tufiakwa! i spit at this evil.