The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has strongly condemned the conduct of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court during proceedings involving activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement released and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the incident as unfortunate, noting that it raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law, judicial independence and fundamental human rights in Nigeria.
Recall that on Wednesday, DSS operatives reportedly blocked lawyers, supporters and members of the public from accessing the courtroom, intimidated citizens within the court premises and restricted movement around the venue.
Suraju said the development was particularly troubling given reports that Sowore was forcefully handled by DSS operatives on Monday while similar acts of intimidation and harassment were again reported during Wednesday’s proceedings.
According to him, the reported actions, if established, represent a dangerous departure from the standards expected of security agencies in a constitutional democracy and risk undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.
“Courts are public institutions established to uphold justice and fairness and should remain accessible to litigants, lawyers, journalists, observers and members of the public. Any action that creates fear or restricts lawful access to court proceedings threatens the openness and transparency that are essential to the judicial process.” He maintained.
The group further stressed that the rights to a fair hearing, freedom of expression, freedom of association and access to justice are guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and protected by international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
HEDA also warned that the recurring use of intimidation, excessive force and arbitrary restrictions within civic and judicial spaces contributes to the shrinking of civic space in Nigeria, discourages public participation and weakens democratic accountability.
“We call on the leadership of the DSS to investigate the reported incidents and ensure accountability where misconduct is established. The agency must guarantee that lawyers, journalists, civil society actors, political associates and members of the public are not subjected to intimidation or unlawful restrictions while attending court proceedings.”
The organisation further maintained that Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish where courts remain open, accessible and free from intimidation, stressing that courtrooms must remain sanctuaries of justice, fairness and constitutional order rather than theatres of fear.
