Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the alleged manhandling and subsequent detention of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the action of the DSS officials as a disturbing affront to the sanctity of the judiciary and the rule of law.
In a statement in Abuja, Adeyanju said the public humiliation of Sowore in court was troubling. He insisted that every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, deserves fair and dignified treatment before the law. “The decision to remand Sowore in prison, particularly after he sought time to engage new legal representation, was unfortunate and capable of creating the impression that the state is determined to silence dissenting voices” Adeyanju said.
Adeyanju expressed concern over reports that security operatives physically accosted and manhandled Sowore within the court premises, maintaining that the courtroom is a sacred institution that must never be turned into an arena for intimidation or display of force. “The court is not a nightclub or a theatre of intimidation; it is a hallowed temple of justice. Any arrest deemed necessary should be carried out with dignity and in strict compliance with the rule of law,” he explained.
The Human Rights Lawyer warned that incidents of this nature risk portraying Nigeria as a country that pays insufficient regard to democratic principles and the rule of law. The activist called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to ensure that justice is administered fairly and transparently, without creating the impression that political opponents are being persecuted or pushed out of the democratic space.
Adeyanju stressed the need for Nigerians to be allowed to freely participate in the political process, contest elections, and express their views, while all disputes are resolved strictly in accordance with the law.
