Tensions rose at the Federal High Court in Abuja as protesters under the #EndBadGovernance movement accused security forces of intimidation while demanding the immediate release of activist and Publisher Omoyele Sowore.
Amid heavy police presence on Wednesday, a protester expressed frustration over what he described as misplaced priorities by the authorities.
“Police officers are here to intimidate protesters. Meanwhile, Abuja is burning. Look at them gathered here instead of being deployed to crime hotspots. This shows the seriousness of this government and the illegal Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. If he were serious, he would send his men to tackle crime, not to harass peaceful demonstrators,” the protester said.
The demonstrators insisted that Sowore, who has been detained, should either be brought before the court immediately or released if no formal charges had been filed against him.
“What we are asking is that Sowore should be brought before a court now. Stop detaining him and breaching his right to liberty if you have no charges against him. Free Sowore now!” another protester demanded.
Beyond Sowore’s case, the protesters also called for an end to what they termed the weaponization of the judiciary against government critics.
“We are also asking for the striking out of all cases against critics of this government. All critics who were unjustly tried in this country should have their cases struck out. The authorities should focus on serious matters instead of chasing trivialities,” the protester added.
Despite the heavy security presence, the protesters vowed to continue their advocacy until their demands were met.
