‘Go after bandits, release Sowore,’ Timi Frank fires at DSS

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has asked the Department of State Services, DSS, to release activist Omoyele Sowore and focus on bandits and terrorists terrorising Nigerians.

Frank, in a statement on Tuesday, described Sowore’s arrest and detention as a “national disgrace” and an assault on democracy.

He said the activist had committed no offence to warrant his detention, insisting that his continued incarceration amounted to political victimisation.

Frank’s reaction followed a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering 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 motion seeking the judge’s recusal over alleged bias and adjourned hearing on the motion for stay of execution till June 24.

Frank alleged that Sowore’s arrest was politically motivated and part of a wider attempt to intimidate opposition figures, journalists, civil society actors and critics ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, the use of security agencies against dissenting voices suggests that the government is becoming increasingly intolerant of criticism.

“Sowore has not committed any offence. He merely exercised his constitutional right to speak on issues affecting Nigerians,” Frank said.

“If the government disagrees with his views, it should respond with facts and good governance, not harassment and intimidation.

“Is it not true that insecurity has worsened? Are Nigerians not facing unprecedented hardship? Why then should anyone be arrested for speaking the truth about the state of the nation?”

Frank said Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy where citizens have the right to freely express their views on government policies and national issues.

He warned that arrests, intimidation and blackmail would not stop Nigerians from demanding accountability from elected leaders and public officials.

“No amount of intimidation by the DSS, the police or any other security agency will stop Nigerians from exercising their democratic rights,” he said.

“No amount of harassment will stop citizens from speaking against incompetence, failure and bad governance.”

The political activist said it was unfortunate that the DSS appeared more interested in going after opposition figures than confronting bandits and terrorists killing innocent Nigerians.

“It is unfortunate that the DSS seems more interested in going after opposition figures than confronting the bandits and terrorists terrorising innocent Nigerians. This arrest is clearly politically motivated,” he said.

Frank also criticised the judiciary and urged judges not to allow the courts to be used as instruments of political persecution.

He called on the international community, particularly the United States and other democratic nations, to monitor developments in Nigeria closely.

“The international community must not remain silent while activists, journalists and opposition leaders are subjected to intimidation and persecution,” he said.

“Democracy thrives on freedom of expression and respect for fundamental rights.

“The DSS must stay out of politics and focus on its constitutional responsibility of protecting national security. Omoyele Sowore must be released immediately and unconditionally.”

Frank warned that any attempt to suppress dissent would further weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.