Activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore on Tuesday clashed with prison wardens over journalists’ access to the premises of the Federal High Court during his ongoing cyberbullying trial.
Key Highlights
- Sowore clashes with prison wardens at the Federal High Court over journalists’ access.
- He says the court is a public institution, not the private property of security officials.
- Videos online show a confrontation involving security personnel.
- Nigerians on X are divided, with some backing Sowore and others faulting his approach.
- The incident has renewed debate over press freedom at court premises.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, October 27, sparked mixed reactions on X, with some Nigerians supporting Sowore’s position on press freedom while others questioned his approach to confrontations with security personnel.
Sowore criticised the prison wardens for allegedly restricting journalists from covering activities around the courthouse, insisting that the Federal High Court is a public institution and not the private property of security officials.
In a post on X, Sowore, @Sowore, wrote: “These poorly prison wardens need to understand that the Federal High Court is a public institution, not their private property. Their apparent lack of understanding of the role of the media is deeply troubling.
“Journalists have a legitimate duty to report on court proceedings and activities around the courthouse. Prison officials must respect press freedom and stop acting as though they have absolute control over media coverage of people entering and leaving the court.”
Videos circulating online showed a confrontation involving security personnel and men dressed in traditional attire. A man wearing a purple uniform marked “OPERATIONS” was also seen amid what appeared to be a physical altercation.
The incident has renewed conversations about press freedom, journalists’ access to court proceedings and the conduct of security personnel in public institutions.
Nigerians React
Reacting to the development, an X user, @Tolu_7085, expressed support for uniformed personnel who respond firmly to what he described as provocation.
“I can never wear a uniform and tolerate the kind of nonsense Sowore, VDM and others are pulling. Respect and accountability must go both ways.
“If you choose to handle issues with provocation instead of civility and responsibility, don’t expect everyone to keep taking the high road. I will match that same energy,” he wrote.
Another user, @efosa marvel, shared a similar position, writing: “I can’t be a uniform personnel and accept these nonser @sowore, VDM and of all these people are doing, never If they can’t be civil and responsible in handling issues, will respond back with same energy.”
Meanwhile, SmallJBI, @BrightO1_, questioned whether Sowore would maintain the same position if he eventually became president.
“And when sowore eventually becomes president tomorrow, wil he do otherwise and or caution civilians not to act like this towards uniform personnel? l wonder how he thinks every of his act are right,” the user wrote.
@Nwaanyinightwear criticised the activist, suggesting that his repeated confrontations were distracting Nigerians. “Every day he finds something to distract Nigerians What exactly does he do for a living ?” the user asked.
@NightvectorX also expressed concern about the possibility of Sowore becoming president, writing: “This Man as our president, na fight just we go just de fight everyday.”
Read also:
- Sowore Cybercrime Trial: Prosecution Opposes Demand for DSS DG to Testify in Person
- DSS Moves to Suspend Sowore Cyberbullying Case Until After 2027 Election
- DSS Detains Journalist Over Drone as Sowore, Rights Group Demand Immediate Release
However, another user, @lamShadex, who claimed to have witnessed the incident at the Federal High Court, questioned the training of the prison wardens.
“I witnessed the scene at federal high court today. I wonder if prison wardens are properly trained. Small ting dem don gaslight,” the user wrote.
Another commenter, @Om@iya’lagbo, questioned the conduct of security personnel around cameras, writing: “Why r thy always scared of camera. It simply means they have bad intention…or abi, the camera dey affect them?”
Similarly, @kingviyper criticised what the user described as the attitude of some uniformed personnel towards civilians.
“Immediately they wear uniform and carry guns they feel like super humans. You’d be amazed to see how soft they turn once it is their oppressors,” the user wrote.
The disagreement highlights the continuing debate over press freedom, security procedures and accountability at Nigerian court premises, particularly when high-profile cases attract public attention.
For more updates, follow us on X.
