Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has condemned the alleged manhandling of former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore within court premises, describing the incident as troubling and inconsistent with the principles of justice and fair hearing.
Adeyanju said the reported treatment of Sowore, including his remand in prison under circumstances where he had sought time to secure new legal representation, raises serious concerns about respect for due process and the right to a fair trial.
He also criticised reports that security operatives physically accosted Sowore in court, insisting that such conduct undermines the sanctity of the judiciary and risks turning courts into venues of intimidation rather than justice.
According to him, the court is a sacred institution that must remain insulated from any form of forceful display or actions capable of intimidating litigants, lawyers, or members of the public, stressing that arrests, where necessary, should be carried out in a dignified manner.
“The public humiliation of Omoyele Sowore in court today is disheartening. Regardless of political affiliation, every Nigerian deserves fair treatment before the law. As a former presidential candidate and a leading voice in public discourse, Sowore should not be subjected to actions that create the impression that the state is determined to silence him.
“The decision to remand him in prison, particularly in circumstances where he had sought time to secure new legal representation, is quite unfortunate.
“The reports that security operatives physically accosted and manhandled Sowore within the court premises are even more disturbing.
“The court is a hallowed institution of justice. It must remain insulated from actions capable of intimidating litigants, lawyers, or members of the public and should not be turned into arenas for displays of force. Where an arrest is considered necessary, it ought to be carried out in a dignified manner.” He said
Adeyanju warned that incidents of this nature could damage Nigeria’s image and raise questions about the country’s commitment to the rule of law, urging the federal government and President Bola Tinubu to pay close attention to the handling of politically sensitive cases.
He further called for a justice system that allows Nigerians to freely express political views and contest elections without fear, adding that all disputes must be resolved strictly within the framework of the law.
“Incidents of this nature risk projecting Nigeria as a country that pays insufficient regard to the rule of law. The federal government and President Bola Tinubu should take a keen interest in ensuring that justice is administered in a manner that does not give the impression that political opponents are being hounded out of the democratic space.
“Nigerians should be allowed to freely contest elections and present their ideas to the electorate, while disputes are resolved strictly in accordance with the rule of law.” The statement reads in part:
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