Armed DSS Operatives Bar Public From Sowore's Court Hearing

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, made an appearance at the Federal High Court on Wednesday morning under a heavy security blockade mounted by armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). These operatives reportedly prevented lawyers, supporters, and associates of the activist from gaining entry into the courtroom.

SaharaReporters observed that the DSS personnel, brandishing sophisticated weaponry, established a formidable security cordon around the courtroom, effectively denying access to numerous individuals who had gathered to witness the ongoing proceedings involving Sowore. The operatives were seen intimidating those present and severely restricting movement within the court premises, leading to heightened tension throughout the hearing.

Among those denied entry was Oshiok Philip, the National Secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC). Philip openly challenged the DSS operatives, condemning their actions as unconstitutional. He reminded the operatives that a courtroom is a public domain and accused them of violating the Nigerian Constitution by denying ordinary citizens, including Sowore’s supporters and colleagues, the right to observe the judicial process. Philip further asserted that the DSS should resist being manipulated by the ruling class to suppress dissenting voices, highlighting Sowore as one of the few Nigerians genuinely dedicated to liberating the nation from poor governance and the abuse of authority. He urged the secret police to cease activities that undermine democratic principles and instead conduct themselves in a manner that would rebuild public trust and salvage the agency's tarnished image.

This development follows an earlier report by SaharaReporters on Monday, detailing how Justice Mohammed Umar had ordered Sowore's remand at Kuje Correctional Centre. However, shortly after this ruling, while Sowore awaited prison officials for transport to Kuje, armed DSS operatives reportedly stormed the courtroom, forcefully apprehending him. Eyewitnesses described Sowore's removal as a "Gestapo-style abduction," which created significant commotion within the court environment. During this violent operation, Sowore reportedly sustained an arm injury as he was manhandled before being whisked away.

The unfolding events have sparked considerable outrage among the activist’s supporters and members of the AAC, who have labeled the DSS's conduct as lawless, oppressive, and a direct affront to the integrity of the judicial system. The dramatic scenes witnessed at the Federal High Court on Wednesday have intensified concerns regarding the treatment of Omoyele Sowore by security agencies, prompting renewed questions about the DSS's apparent disregard for due process, human rights, and the fundamental principles of the rule of law.