Heavily armed police officers on Monday morning barricaded the Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja, preventing journalists and members of the public from accessing the premises in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to frustrate the release of detained human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
It was observed that the security operatives arrived at the court very early in the morning and sealed off all access points without offering any explanation for the restriction. Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and police Hilux vans were stationed at various strategic locations around the court, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the area.
Journalists, and other court users who attempted to enter the premises were turned back by the officers, sparking confusion and outrage. Several eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the police fired teargas canisters within the court compound to disperse Sowore’s supporters and some lawyers who had gathered in solidarity with him.
The tension, followed expectations that Sowore would be released today after perfecting his bail conditions granted by the court last week.
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Eyewitnesses at the time said the officers became enraged upon realising that Sowore had been granted bail by Magistrate Abubakar Sai’id, and resorted to excessive force to re-arrest him.
“The policemen acted like they were dealing with a terrorist,” said one eyewitness. “They beat him mercilessly and dragged him into their vehicle as if he was a criminal, even though the court had already granted him bail.”
