Human rights activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is at the Federal High Court on Wednesday morning amid heavy presence of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), who are fully armed and prevented lawyers, supporters and associates of the activist from entering the courtroom.
SaharaReporters observed that DSS operatives, wielding sophisticated weapons, mounted a heavy security presence around the courtroom and blocked access to several individuals who had come to witness the proceedings involving Sowore.
The operatives were seen intimidating supporters and restricting movement around the court premises as tension heightened during the hearing.
Among those stopped from entering the courtroom was the National Secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC), Oshiok Philip, who confronted the DSS operatives over what he described as an unconstitutional action.
Philip told the operatives that the courtroom is a public space and accused them of violating the Nigerian Constitution by preventing members of the public, including Sowore’s supporters and associates, from accessing the proceedings.
He insisted that the DSS should not allow itself to be used as a tool of the ruling class against dissenting voices, adding that Sowore remains one of the few Nigerians genuinely committed to rescuing the country from bad governance and abuse of power.
Philip said the secret police should stop acting in a manner that undermines democratic norms and instead conduct themselves in ways that would restore public confidence and redeem the agency’s battered reputation.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported on Monday that Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre.
However, shortly after the ruling, while Sowore was waiting for prison officials to transport him to Kuje prison, armed DSS operatives reportedly stormed the courtroom and forcefully seized him.
The operatives dragged Sowore away in what was described as a Gestapo-style abduction, causing a scene inside the court premises.
During the violent operation, Sowore was reportedly injured in the arm as the operatives manhandled him before whisking him away.
The development has stirred outrage among supporters of the activist and members of the AAC, who described the conduct of the DSS as lawless, repressive and a direct assault on the sanctity of the court.
The dramatic scenes at the Federal High Court on Wednesday further deepened concerns over the treatment of Sowore by security agencies and raised fresh questions about the DSS’ disregard for due process, human rights and the rule of law.
(SaharaReporters)