SERAP Reacts As DSS Re-Arrests Omoyele Sowore

The Department of Secret Service has been condemned by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, over the re-arrest of Omoyele Sowore.

Naija News had earlier reported that DSS operatives on Friday stormed the courtroom, chased out lawyers and thereafter re-arrested Sowore.

Following the action of DSS, the judge in charge of the case, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, adjourned the case till February 11, 12 and 13 for definite hearing.

The development is coming less than a day after Sowore was released by DSS after an Abuja Federal High Court ordered for his release within 24 hours.

SERAP while reacting on the development took to its Twitter account and wrote, “We strongly condemn the violent re-arrest of Sowore and Bakare inside the Federal High Court abuja courtroom just hours after they were granted bail and released by the SSS.”

“SERAP’s representatives in court reported that the judge had to quickly take cover, as the officials of SSS entered the courtroom and ill-treated Sowore, Bakare. This is the type of things routinely witness in authoritarian states.”

“Sowore and Bakare’s re-arrest is yet another example of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari’s total contempt for human rights, the rule of law and the independence and integrity of the judiciary.”

“The Nigerian authorities should immediately free Sowore and Bakare, respect the sanctity and integrity of our judicial system and ensure full accountability for those who committed the appalling abuses.”