Kuje Prison Staff Bemoan Heavy Security Buildup After Sowore's Remand

Officers at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja's Federal Capital Territory are reportedly voicing apprehension regarding what they describe as an unprecedented intensification of security around the facility. This surge in security measures reportedly began following the remand of prominent activist and presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, at the centre.

Sources within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) facility informed SaharaReporters that security protocols have been significantly tightened since Sowore's arrival. This includes the deployment of additional armed personnel and the implementation of stricter controls for accessing the premises. The heightened security presence has coincided with frequent visits from Sowore's legal representatives, political allies, family members, supporters, and human rights advocates, all of whom continue to advocate for his release.

One correctional officer, who requested anonymity due to not being authorised to speak publicly, expressed bewilderment at the extent of the security deployment. The officer remarked, "When they brought about 500 terrorists here, they didn't militarise this facility the way they have done because of Mr. Omoyele Sowore." The source further alleged that the increased security has disrupted the regular operational routines of the correctional centre and imposed extra strain on the prison staff.

According to these officers, the prison administration has also reportedly revised the daily visitation schedule. They claimed that while official visiting hours previously extended until around 2:30 p.m., visitors are now required to conclude their visits by approximately 1:30 p.m. This alteration, the sources indicated, impacts not only Sowore's visitors but also the relatives, lawyers, and associates of other inmates held at the facility. Some officers reportedly conveyed their frustration over these new arrangements, arguing that the amplified security measures have increased their workload and interfered with the normal administrative flow of the custodial centre.

Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for 2027, who also contested in the 2019 and 2023 general elections, remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre. His remand is pursuant to a court order pending further proceedings in his case. His detention has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society organisations, legal practitioners, political associates, and human rights campaigners. They have labelled the charges against him as politically motivated and demanded his immediate freedom.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported Sowore's remand at Kuje Correctional Centre following an order by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This judicial decision came after the court dismissed Sowore's application seeking the judge's recusal from his ongoing trial. Sowore faces charges brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) concerning public statements where he reportedly described President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal."

Earlier this month, Sowore reiterated his appeal for Justice Umar to step down from the case, citing allegations of bias and unfair treatment during court sessions. He also disclosed that he was compelled to represent himself in court after members of his legal team opted against continuing their appearance before the judge. In a post on his X account shortly after Monday's proceedings, Sowore revealed, "Soon after today's court hearing at the Federal High Court, where I represented myself because my lawyers had decided they could no longer appear before Justice M.G. Umar due to what they described as persistent maltreatment, I personally moved a motion asking the judge, once again, to recuse himself from the case." The court, however, rejected this application and mandated that the trial proceed.