LAGOS/Nigeria: The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has condemned the alleged conduct of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) during the ongoing court proceedings involving activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the reported actions as a serious threat to judicial independence, the rule of law and Nigeria’s democratic values.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation expressed concern over reports that DSS operatives restricted access to the Federal High Court, prevented lawyers, supporters and members of the public from entering the courtroom, and allegedly intimidated citizens within the court premises during Wednesday’s proceedings.
HEDA noted that the incident followed earlier reports that Sowore was allegedly forcefully handled by DSS personnel on Monday, warning that repeated allegations of intimidation surrounding the trial raise serious concerns about the protection of fundamental rights and the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial process.
According to Suraju, if the allegations are established, the actions would represent a disturbing departure from the standards expected of security agencies operating in a constitutional democracy and could erode public confidence in the administration of justice.
“The courts are public institutions established to uphold justice, fairness and the rule of law. They must remain accessible to litigants, lawyers, journalists, observers and members of the public. Any action that creates fear or unlawfully restricts access to court proceedings undermines the openness and transparency that are indispensable to the judicial process,” he stated.
The organisation stressed that the rights to fair hearing, freedom of expression, freedom of association and unhindered access to justice are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and reinforced by international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
HEDA further warned that the persistent use of intimidation, excessive force and arbitrary restrictions in civic and judicial spaces could accelerate the shrinking of Nigeria’s civic space, discourage public participation in democratic processes and weaken institutional accountability.
The group called on the leadership of the DSS to immediately investigate the reported incidents and ensure that any officer found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
“We urge the DSS to guarantee that lawyers, journalists, civil society organisations, political associates, observers and members of the public are not subjected to intimidation or unlawful restrictions while attending court proceedings. Respect for due process and constitutional rights must remain paramount in every democratic society,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of democratic institutions, HEDA maintained that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive where the judiciary operates without fear, interference or intimidation. It insisted that courtrooms must remain open, impartial and accessible spaces where justice is administered transparently, rather than environments overshadowed by fear or undue security presence.
