Image: Sowore torn between officers of DSS and Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore to prison in Kuje Custodial Centre after dramatic scenes at the court.

Following this, the Department of State Services (DSS) distanced itself from the remand , insisting that Sowore’s remand resulted entirely from court proceedings and not from any action taken by the agency.

The DSS position was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS National Headquarters, Favour Dozie.

The agency also disclosed that its director-general, Adeola Ajayi, had ordered an investigation into the conduct of operatives captured in videos from the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 22.

The DSS said that it had taken note of public concerns over scenes at the court showing Sowore in an altercation with an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service and what appeared to be a scuffle involving DSS operatives.

Although the agency noted that Sowore eventually chose to enter a DSS vehicle rather than one belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service after the incident, it said an immediate investigation had been ordered into the alleged conduct of personnel involved.

“From the foregoing, it is clear that the issues which led to the revocation of his bail and his subsequent remand arose entirely from court processes, as the Service neither arrested him nor opposed his bail application,” the statement said.

The Lagos State Government has indefinitely shut down the Oshodi Resettlement Market following a violent confrontation in which traders allegedly attacked officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) during an enforcement operation.

Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab announced the closure on Tuesday via X (formerly Twitter), stating that traders obstructed the operation, assaulted personnel, and prevented the arrest of hoodlums and beggars who vandalised the agency’s operational vehicles.

“Oshodi Resettlement Market, Oshodi has been shut down,” Wahab wrote. “Traders at the market attacked officers and personnel of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, prevented them from arresting hoodlums and beggars who vandalised the agency’s operational vehicles during an enforcement operation earlier today.”

A video shared by the commissioner showed LAGESC operatives patrolling the now-locked market premises. The incident occurred on Monday during a routine exercise aimed at clearing hoodlums and beggars from the area.

No reopening date has been announced as investigations continue. The closure affects traders in one of Lagos’ major commercial hubs dealing in fabrics, foodstuffs, and other goods, highlighting the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline and attacks on public officials.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure-led development with the flag-off of two major road projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the President performed the ceremonies for the Southern Parkway Service Carriageways in Gaduwa District and Collector Road CO1 in the Institution and Research District of Abuja.

Speaking at the Southern Parkway event, President Tinubu described the project as a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda and an important step toward improving transportation within Abuja’s southern corridor.

He noted that the service carriageways would complement the already completed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, helping to reduce traffic congestion, shorten travel times and lower transportation costs for residents and businesses.

The President stated that the project forms part of a broader infrastructure renewal programme that has delivered several strategic road networks across the FCT, including the N20 Corridor, N16 Interchange, and roads in Kuje, Gwagwalada and Mabushi.

He stressed that these investments are aimed at enhancing mobility and improving the quality of life for residents.

At the second ceremony, Tinubu described the construction of Collector Road CO1 as a strategic investment that will strengthen access to universities, research institutions, legal establishments and innovation hubs within the Institution and Research District.

He said the road would boost connectivity, support economic growth and advance Abuja’s vision as a centre for knowledge and innovation.

The President also commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and delivery of infrastructure projects, noting that Abuja has become a major construction hub under his stewardship.

Tinubu urged residents to cooperate with contractors and traffic officials during construction, assuring them that temporary inconveniences would yield lasting benefits.

He further charged contractors to maintain quality standards, meet project timelines and create employment opportunities, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous and globally competitive Nigeria.