By Muhammad Mamman
Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has alleged that a woman detained by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 has died in custody at the Wawa Military Barracks in Niger State.
Sowore made the claim on Tuesday while commenting on the continued detention of individuals linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He identified the woman as an IPOB supporter who, according to him, had been held without trial for several years.
In a statement shared publicly, Sowore accused the DSS of gross human rights violations, alleging that the woman’s prolonged detention and conditions of custody contributed to her death.
“The woman detained since 2021 by the DSS at Wawa Barracks is dead,” Sowore said, calling for accountability and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her detention and alleged death.
The DSS has not issued an official response to the claim as of the time of reporting. There has also been no independent confirmation of the allegation.
Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the detention of IPOB members and supporters, accusing Nigerian security agencies of holding suspects for extended periods without charge. The federal government, however, maintains that IPOB is a terrorist organisation and insists that security actions against its members are carried out in the interest of national security.
The latest allegation is likely to intensify scrutiny of Nigeria’s security agencies and renew calls from activists and civil society organisations for transparency, due process and respect for human rights.
