By Abigail David
Supporters of human rights activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, have accused operatives of the Department of State Services of forcefully arresting and injuring him despite a court order remanding him in a correctional facility.
The allegation followed a ruling by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, who ordered Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail. The court also dismissed his request for the judge to recuse himself from the case over alleged bias and adjourned proceedings until June 24.
Shortly after the court session, Sowore’s supporters claimed DSS operatives seized him within the court premises while attempting to take him into custody. A live video streamed on his Facebook page appeared to show security operatives dragging the activist away as supporters tried to intervene.
The supporters subsequently blocked access to the Federal High Court complex, insisting that the court had specifically ordered Sowore’s remand in a correctional facility rather than in DSS or police custody.
Speaking to journalists, AAC FCT Chairman Agena Roberts Ande condemned the action, alleging that the DSS acted contrary to the court’s directive and urging authorities to respect the rule of law.
Earlier, Sowore said he was not surprised by the remand order, expressing confidence that he would continue his activism after his release.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over alleged criminal defamation linked to social media posts in which he reportedly described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.” Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
