BREAKING: Drama at Federal High Court as DSS Restricts Access to Sowore’s Supporters

There was a confrontation between officials of the Department of State Services and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on Monday morning at the Federal High Court premises over the restriction of access to the court.

The drama bagan when DSS operatives blocked individuals accompanying the activist from entering the area.

In a video circulating online, a DSS officer is seen confronting Sowore, stating, “We can only allow you and your lawyers come inside the court premises but we can’t allow your supporters, we don’t want your supporters.”

Sowore in his response said his followers were his family members.

Sowore’s ongoing legal battle can be traced back to 2024 when the DSS filed a case against him over social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

While the DSS argues that these comments violated provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, Sowore has consistently maintained that his utterances were political opinions fully protected by his right to freedom of expression.

The trial has experienced several court appearances, adjournments, and legal arguments over the years, leading to a decision earlier this year where the court dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission and ordered him to open his defence. Sowore opposed the ruling and subsequently sought the recusal of the trial judge, alleging bias in the handling of the case.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, a bench warrant was issued for Sowore’s arrest. Justice Mohammed Umar revoked Sowore’s bail after he allegedly failed to appear for a scheduled hearing, agreeing with the prosecution’s argument that an adjournment letter submitted by his legal team did not provide a satisfactory reason for his absence.

Sowore strongly rejected the court’s position, insisting that he had been at the court premises earlier that day, was told the judge would not sit, and had properly communicated his situation to the court before the hearing date.