There was chaos at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as heavily armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took control of the courtroom and moved human rights activist Omoyele Sowore into custody following a remand order.
The development occurred shortly after Presiding Justice Mohammed Umar ordered that Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate, be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until Wednesday.
Video footage from the courtroom captured the moment fully kitted DSS operatives aggressively took control of the activist to execute his abduction and transfer out of the court premises.
The takeover followed the judge’s decision to revoke Sowore’s bail, a ruling tied to allegations brought by the DSS regarding public statements where Sowore reportedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.
Earlier in the session, Justice Umar dismissed an application by Sowore asking the judge to step down from the case. The defense had argued that the single court absence used to justify the bail revocation was actually due to Sowore consulting with his new lead counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, who had formally briefed the court on the matter.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Sowore, before being taken away, said he was prepared for the prison remand and would continue mobilising his supporters. He added that the development was happening for a reason and described it as a sacrifice that could benefit the country.
In a statement later shared on social media, the activist reiterated his resolve despite the detention order. He maintained that imprisonment would never defeat a just cause.
“I urge the Nigerian people and all our comrades to remain resolute, steadfast, and unyielding in the quest for a genuine revolution that will liberate our country from oppression, injustice, and misrule. The struggle continues. Victory is certain.”