By Miriam Humbe
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the alleged assault and manhandling of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by security operatives within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CISLAC Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, described reports of Sowore’s treatment following court proceedings that revoked his bail and ordered his remand in Kuje Correctional Facility as deeply troubling and inconsistent with democratic norms and the rule of law.
According to the organisation, eyewitness accounts indicated that security operatives used excessive force in handling the activist, dragging and manhandling him in full view of lawyers, supporters and members of the public.
Rafsanjani said the incident raises serious concerns about respect for fundamental rights, judicial sanctity and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, warning that attacks on citizens within court premises undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
He noted that the conduct of some security personnel appears to undermine Sowore’s constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly his right to dignity and protection from degrading treatment while in custody and during judicial proceedings.
The CISLAC boss further expressed concern over the deployment and conduct of heavily armed security personnel within the courtroom environment, noting that such actions could be interpreted as prejudging guilt or subjecting a defendant to punishment before conviction.
According to him, the credibility of the rule of law depends not only on legal procedures but also on public confidence in the fairness and neutrality of judicial processes.
“When courtroom conduct by security agents appears excessive, intimidating or politically motivated, it risks eroding public trust in the justice system, especially in sensitive cases involving activists, journalists and government critics. Courts must remain symbols of justice, fairness and impartiality,” Rafsanjani stated.
He said the incident reflects a broader pattern of intimidation against critical voices and dissenting opinions, stressing that no democracy can thrive where courts become arenas for violence, intimidation and excessive use of force.
Rafsanjani also expressed concern over another disturbing incident in Kaduna State, where a woman identified as Ummulkhairi Muhammad was allegedly lynched by a mob in Maraban Jos on June 21 after being accused of child theft.
According to reports cited by the organisation, the victim had been taken into police custody for protection but was later forcefully removed by an angry mob that overpowered security personnel, killed her and set her body ablaze.
He described the lynching of Ummulkhairi Muhammad as a tragic example of the growing prevalence of jungle justice and the inability of State institutions to guarantee the safety of citizens even while in official custody.
Rafsanjani warned that the combination of alleged political repression, mob violence and institutional failures poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability, social cohesion and respect for human rights.
The organisation called for independent, impartial and transparent investigations into both incidents, urging authorities to ensure accountability for all individuals found culpable, whether among security operatives involved in the treatment of Sowore or those responsible for the lynching of Ummulkhairi Muhammad.
CISLAC further urged the government to strengthen measures aimed at protecting civic freedoms, safeguarding judicial independence and improving the capacity of security agencies to protect lives and uphold the rule of law.
Reaffirming its commitment to human rights, justice and democratic governance, the organisation expressed solidarity with Sowore, the family of the late Ummulkhairi Muhammad and other victims of repression and mob violence across the country.
Rafsanjani stressed that decisive action by relevant authorities is necessary to restore public confidence and prevent further erosion of the country’s democratic and legal institutions.
