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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned what it described as the “assault and manhandling” of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore by security operatives inside the Federal High Court complex in Abuja, saying the incident and a recent mob killing in Kaduna reflect a dangerous erosion of the rule of law.
In a statement by its Executive Director Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said eyewitness accounts showed security operatives used excessive force to restrain Sowore after a court revoked his bail and ordered his remand to Kuje Correctional Centre.
“Reports that security operatives dragged and manhandled Mr. Sowore in full view of lawyers, supporters and members of the public are deeply troubling and inconsistent with democratic norms.
“The conduct of some security personnel appears to undermine his constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly his right to dignity and protection from degrading treatment while in custody and during judicial proceedings.”
CISLAC warned that the deployment of heavily armed security personnel inside a courtroom risks prejudging guilt and amounts to punishment before conviction. “When courtroom conduct by security agents appears excessive, intimidating or politically motivated, it risks eroding public trust in the justice system,” Rafsanjani said. “Courts must remain symbols of justice, fairness and impartiality.”
The civil society group said the incident is part of a broader pattern of intimidation against critical voices and shrinking civic space in Nigeria. “No democracy can thrive where courts become arenas for violence, intimidation and excessive use of force.”
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The statement also drew attention to a separate and gruesome case 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.
CISLAC said reports indicate she had been taken into police custody for protection but was later seized by an angry crowd that overpowered security personnel, killed her and set her body ablaze.
“The lynching of Ummulkhairi Muhammad is 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.”
It warned that the combination of alleged political repression, mob violence and institutional failures threatens Nigeria’s democratic stability and social cohesion.
CISLAC called for independent, impartial and transparent investigations into both incidents and urged that those found culpable be held accountable—whether security operatives involved in Sowore’s treatment or individuals responsible for the lynching in Kaduna.
The organisation also demanded that the government strengthen measures to protect civic freedoms, safeguard judicial independence and improve the capacity of security agencies to protect lives and uphold the rule of law.
Reiterating solidarity with Sowore and the family of Ummulkhairi Muhammad, Rafsanjani said decisive action by relevant authorities is necessary to restore public confidence. “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,” he said.
