By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed concern over what it describe...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed concern over what it described as the rapid erosion of the rule of law in Nigeria, condemning the alleged assault of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by security operatives, as well as the lynching of a woman in Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CISLAC's Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, described reports of Sowore's treatment following court proceedings that revoked his bail and ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre as disturbing and inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.
According to the organisation, eyewitnesses reported that security operatives dragged and manhandled Sowore within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja in full view of lawyers, supporters and members of the public.
Rafsanjani said the incident raises serious concerns about respect for fundamental human rights, the sanctity of the judiciary and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, warning that acts of intimidation within court premises undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
He argued that the conduct of the security personnel appeared to violate Sowore's constitutional rights, particularly his right to dignity and protection from degrading treatment while in custody and during judicial proceedings.
The CISLAC Executive Director also questioned the deployment and conduct of heavily armed security personnel within the courtroom environment, saying such actions could create the impression that a defendant had been prejudged before conviction.
"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. When courtroom conduct by security agents appears excessive, intimidating or politically motivated, 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," Rafsanjani stated.
He said the incident reflects a broader pattern of intimidation against dissenting voices, stressing that no democracy can flourish where courts become venues for intimidation, violence and excessive use of force.
Rafsanjani also condemned the lynching of Ummulkhairi Muhammad in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, describing it as another disturbing indication of the weakening rule of law.
According to the organisation, the woman was allegedly accused of child theft on June 21 and taken into police custody for her protection. However, an angry mob reportedly overpowered security personnel, forcefully removed her from custody, killed her and set her body ablaze.
He described the killing as a tragic example of the growing prevalence of jungle justice and the inability of state institutions to guarantee the safety of citizens, even while under official protection.
Rafsanjani warned that the combination of alleged political repression, mob violence and institutional failures poses a serious threat to Nigeria's democratic stability, social cohesion and respect for human rights.
CISLAC called for independent, impartial and transparent investigations into both incidents and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that all those found culpable, including any security operatives or members of the mob, are brought to justice.
The organisation also urged the government to strengthen measures aimed at protecting civic freedoms, safeguarding judicial independence and enhancing the capacity of security agencies to protect lives and uphold the rule of law.
Reaffirming its commitment to human rights, justice and democratic governance, CISLAC expressed solidarity with Sowore, the family of the late Ummulkhairi Muhammad and other victims of repression and mob violence across the country.
Rafsanjani maintained that only decisive action by the authorities would restore public confidence and halt what he described as the continued erosion of Nigeria's democratic and legal institutions.
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