The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have criticised the conduct of the Department of State Services (DSS) during the arrest of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the agency’s actions as unnecessary, embarrassing and detrimental to democratic norms.
In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, yesterday, the labour centre expressed concern over the “rowdy scene,” intimidation and humiliation that accompanied Sowore’s arrest within the court premises.
Ajaero said the behaviour displayed by DSS operatives fell short of the professionalism expected of a security agency entrusted with safeguarding national interests.
The labour leader argued that the manner in which the arrest was carried out created an avoidable spectacle that raised questions about the agency’s approach to law enforcement.
Also 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 on 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 about the deployment and conduct of heavily armed security personnel within the courtroom, noting that such actions could be interpreted as prejudging guilt or as 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.
