CISLAC and HEDA Speak Out on Sowore's Attack and Mob Killing in Kaduna

Civil society groups, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource), have condemned the attack on Sahara Reporters Publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore by security agents at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

They warned that such actions could hurt public trust in the judiciary and the rule of law.

The groups also expressed worry over the killing of a woman accused of child theft in Kaduna State. They described both incidents as alarming examples of the growing neglect for due process and human rights.

In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Musa, said reports of security agents using excessive force against Mr Sowore after court proceedings raised serious concerns about respect for constitutional rights and how law enforcement acts.

CISLAC reported that eyewitnesses said Mr Sowore was dragged and mistreated by security personnel in front of lawyers, supporters, and members of the public inside the court.

Mr Musa, who is popularly known as Rafsanjani, explained that security personnel's behavior in a courtroom should show respect for human dignity and due process.

"The credibility of the rule of law depends not only on legal procedures but also on public confidence in the fairness and neutrality of judicial processes," he said.

"When courtroom conduct by security agents seems excessive, intimidating, or politically driven, it risks eroding public trust in the justice system, especially in sensitive cases involving activists, journalists, and government critics. Courts must remain symbols of justice, fairness, and impartiality," he added.

He stated that the presence and behavior of heavily armed security personnel in and around the courtroom could suggest punishment before conviction and weaken public confidence in judicial proceedings.

According to him, intimidation or attacks on citizens within court premises threaten the judiciary's sanctity and contribute to a shrinking civic space.

"No democracy can thrive where courts become arenas for violence, intimidation, and excessive use of force," he warned.

CISLAC also condemned the killing of Ummulkhairi Muhammad in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, on June 21.

The group said reports indicated that Ms Muhammad, accused of child theft, was taken into police custody for her safety before an angry mob allegedly overpowered the security personnel, dragged her out, killed her, and set her body on fire.

Rafsanjani called this incident a tragic example of the rising trend of mob justice and the failure of state institutions to protect citizens, even when they are in official custody.

He warned that the mix of alleged political repression, mob violence, and weak institutions poses a danger to Nigeria’s democratic stability, social cohesion, and human rights record.

CISLAC called for independent, fair, and transparent investigations into both incidents and urged authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible faces consequences.

The group also urged the government to enhance protections for civic freedoms, ensure judicial independence, and improve the ability of security agencies to protect lives and uphold the rule of law.

HEDA, in a different statement on Thursday by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, raised concerns over reports that State Security Service (SSS) operatives stopped lawyers, supporters, and the public from entering the courtroom during Mr Sowore's proceedings on Wednesday.

Mr Suraju said these allegations were especially worrying given earlier reports of security operatives mishandling the activist in a previous court appearance.

He stated that if true, such actions would undermine public trust in the justice system and fail to meet the standards expected of security agencies in a constitutional democracy.

"Courts are public institutions set up to uphold justice and fairness and should remain open to litigants, lawyers, journalists, observers, and the public. Any action that creates fear or limits lawful access to court proceedings threatens the openness and transparency essential for the judicial process," he said.

HEDA noted that the rights to a fair hearing, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and access to justice are guaranteed by the Constitution and protected by international human rights agreements that Nigeria has signed.

The group called on SSS leaders to investigate the reported incidents and ensure accountability where misconduct is found.

"We urge the leadership of the DSS to look into the reported incidents and ensure accountability where misconduct is shown. The agency must ensure that lawyers, journalists, civil society members, political associates, and the public are not subjected to intimidation or unlawful restrictions while attending court proceedings," Mr Suraju stated.

He added that courtrooms must remain places of justice and order, not "theatres of fear."