ABUJA, Nigeria — Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) leader Omoyele Sowore has alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the residence of the President of the Bokkos Youths Support Association (BOYSA), Samaila Kaigama, ransacked his home and subjected him to degrading treatment while in custody, allegations the security agency has not publicly responded to.
According to Sowore, heavily armed DSS operatives arrived at Kaigama’s residence at about 4 p.m. on Friday in two Hilux vehicles, where they allegedly carried out an extensive search of the premises in an attempt to obtain evidence that could be used to prosecute the youth leader.
Sowore, who disclosed the development on his official X account, claimed the operatives searched the entire house but reportedly failed to recover any incriminating material. He further alleged that Kaigama’s legs were chained during the operation while officers conducted the search.
The activist also accused the DSS of subjecting the detained BOYSA president to inhumane treatment since his arrest. According to Sowore, Kaigama alleged that he had been denied food while in custody and was forced to drink water from a toilet in what he described as an attempt to pressure him into surrendering evidence allegedly in his possession.
Sowore said Kaigama had resisted the alleged pressure, insisting that any evidence he possesses would only be presented before a competent court if he is formally charged.
As of the time of reporting, the Department of State Services had not issued an official statement responding to the allegations or confirming the reported search of Kaigama’s residence. The claims therefore remain allegations made by Sowore and have not been independently verified.
Kaigama’s detention has attracted growing attention from civil society organisations and human rights advocates, who have called on the DSS to either charge him before a court of law or release him in accordance with constitutional provisions governing detention and due process.
Reports indicate that Kaigama was arrested in Abuja earlier this week under circumstances that have generated concern among rights groups over what they describe as an attempt to silence critical voices.
Sowore previously disclosed that a lawyer from the law firm of Deji Adeyanju visited the DSS headquarters in Abuja seeking access to Kaigama but was allegedly denied entry. According to him, the lawyer waited for more than an hour before leaving without being allowed to see either his client or DSS officials.
The arrest followed Kaigama’s appearance on a televised programme during which he made allegations concerning alleged ransom payments to Boko Haram insurgents. Sowore argued that the timing of the arrest suggests an attempt to suppress those claims, an assertion the DSS has not commented on.
The allegations come amid renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s security agencies over compliance with constitutional safeguards protecting the rights of detainees. Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, suspects are entitled to legal representation and must be brought before a court within the period prescribed by law where applicable.
Until the DSS issues an official response, the allegations surrounding the search of Kaigama’s residence, his reported treatment in custody and the circumstances of his detention remain disputed. Rights advocates continue to urge the authorities to uphold due process, ensure transparency in the investigation and respect the constitutional rights of all citizens regardless of the allegations against them.
