By News Desk

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of conducting illegal surveillance on his movements during his visit to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In a social media statement published Tuesday, Sowore revealed that he discovered an electronic tracking device attached beneath a security vehicle used by his entourage following an appearance at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference.

Discovery Following Kay Hikers Address

According to the activist, suspicion arose shortly after he addressed participants at a gathering organized by the Kay Hikers group in the Rivers State capital:

• Evasive Maneuvers: After noticing suspicious vehicle movements following the event, Sowore and his team made a tactical decision to switch transport.
• Under-Carriage Inspection: A subsequent physical inspection of the security vehicle previously used by his team revealed a concealed electronic tracking device mounted to the chassis.
• Allegations Against DSS: Sowore attributed the covert tracking operation to operatives of the secret police, asserting that the administration remains apprehensive about his public engagements and civic outreach.

Ongoing Legal Friction with Security Agencies

The incident in Port Harcourt marks the latest point of friction between Sowore and Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency:

• Active Judicial Proceedings: The activist is currently contesting cybercrime charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja, stemming from public critiques of executive policies and administrative performance.
• Pattern of Intelligence Monitoring: Sowore’s team reiterated that covert surveillance and judicial harassment remain part of a persistent strategy by state apparatuses to restrict his movement and stifle political opposition.

As of press time, the Department of State Services has not issued an official statement regarding the tracking device allegations in Port Harcourt.