By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
Confusion erupted at the Federal High Court in Abuja Wednesday as lawyers, litigants, journalists and supporters of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, were reportedly denied access to the court premises during proceedings in his case involving the Department of State Services (DSS).
The restriction created tension around the court complex as security personnel and correctional officials mounted heavy security, leaving several legal practitioners and court users stranded outside the venue.
The hearing followed Monday’s order by Justice Mohammed Umar remanding Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending Wednesday’s proceedings on applications relating to the revocation of his bail and the execution of a bench warrant earlier issued against him.
Witnesses at the court alleged that access to the courtroom was tightly controlled, with several lawyers, litigants and members of the public reportedly prevented from entering the court premises. The development generated concern among rights advocates and observers who questioned the restriction of public access to judicial proceedings.
Sowore was remanded after the Federal High Court revoked his bail over his failure to appear in court in an ongoing case instituted by the DSS concerning alleged criminal defamation and cyber-related offences arising from social media comments against President Bola Tinubu.
The activist was earlier taken into custody after the court ordered his remand, a development that attracted criticism from several lawyers and civil rights groups. Reports indicated that tensions had already surrounded his transfer from the court premises earlier this week.
The latest courtroom restrictions have further intensified public interest in the case, with many Nigerians following the proceedings closely amid concerns over open justice, access to court proceedings and the rights of defendants and legal representatives.
As of press time, neither the DSS nor court authorities had issued an official explanation regarding the reported restrictions on access to the courtroom. Court proceeding has resumed at press time.
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