A dramatic scene unfolded on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja as former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, came face-to-face with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), leading to a tense exchange over past prosecutions and the current political climate.
Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, used the encounter to revisit what he called the abuse of state power during Malami’s tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly his prosecution on treason-related charges.
The encounter was witnessed by lawyers and court officials.
Recounting his ordeal under the Buhari administration, Sowore accused Malami of weaponising state power against dissenters, particularly referencing the treason charges filed against him during the “RevolutionNow” protests.
“The tables have turned,” Sowore said, pointing at Malami. “See, now you still have bail while being persecuted. When you were the Attorney General and Minister of Justice during the Buhari regime, you were charging Sowore for treason. See how they are dealing with you now.”
In a tone mixing sarcasm with defiance, Sowore added, “Let me give you a RevolutionNow cap; we want to recruit you. Now you understand that there is failure in the system; the same system is dealing with you now.”
Malami, however, appeared unfazed, insisting that his commitment to Nigeria remained intact despite his current circumstances.
“I can never be down as far as the Nigerian project is concerned,” Malami responded, maintaining a composed posture.
Sowore continued, recalling his repeated warnings during court appearances under Buhari’s administration.
“When I used to come to court during the Buhari regime, I told you that the regime would end in disgrace and you can see it today. We are now on the same side,” he said.
“Malami interjected calmly, “The table has a way of turning.”
Doubling down, Sowore said, “That is why we kept telling you people when you were in power that this is our country. No matter how powerful you think you are, we will never succumb to injustice. I’m glad you are going through your own ‘institute of life.’”
Malami replied, “The table keeps turning, and we will keep standing by it.”
In a final jab, Sowore jokingly remarked that Malami’s “table has now turned to the side of the oppressed.”
Malami served as Attorney General during a period widely criticised by civil society groups for alleged human rights violations and disregard for court orders.
His tenure under Buhari was frequently at the centre of controversies involving the prosecution of activists, journalists, and opposition figures.
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