There was tension at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, into custody following a remand order.
The incident occurred shortly after Justice Mohammed Umar ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until Wednesday.
Eyewitness video from the courtroom showed DSS operatives, heavily armed, taking control of the situation as proceedings unfolded.
Court orders remand at Kuje prison
The ruling followed the judge’s decision to remand Sowore over allegations raised by the DSS.
The agency accused the activist of making public statements in which he reportedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.
Justice Umar subsequently ordered that Sowore be held in custody pending further proceedings.
Bail revoked before remand decision
Earlier in the hearing, the court dismissed an application filed by Sowore requesting the judge to withdraw from the case.
The defence team argued that a previous court absence cited against him was due to a consultation with his new lead counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, who had formally informed the court of the situation.
Despite the argument, the court proceeded with the ruling that led to the remand order.
Video shows DSS operatives in courtroom
A video seen from the courtroom captured DSS operatives moving in after the ruling, leading to a tense moment in court.
The development has since drawn attention across social media, with many reacting to the courtroom scene and the enforcement of the remand order.
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