NLC says DSS’s arrest of Sowore threatens Nigeria’s democracy.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) criticized the Department of State Services (DSS) for the conduct of its officers during the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In a statement released on Thursday, NLC president Joe Ajaero described the incident as an embarrassment and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The NLC denounced what it described as a “rowdy scene” and the aggressive behavior and mass intimidation shown by DSS personnel as they took Sowore into custody.

“We are appalled by the conduct of the DSS at the Federal High Court, Abuja while taking into custody Mr. Omoyele Sowore. This is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.”

“The rowdy scene, bullish behaviour, the mass intimidation by the personnel and the humiliation of Sowore were totally unnecessary and embarrassing to an organisation that carries with it a certain level of sophistication or elegance.”

“We are opposed to this kind of drama by our Secret Service as there was no need for it. Who were they re‑enacting this for, anyway,” Ajaero asked.

Ajaero also questioned the DSS’s involvement, expressing concern that the agency appeared to be acting as both the complainant and the custodian of the accused.