The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned as deeply troubling and inconsistent with democratic norms and the rule of law, the alleged assault and manhandling of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, by security operatives within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In a statement, CISLAC Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Rafsanjani, said reports of Sowore’s treatment following court proceedings that revoked his bail and ordered his remand in Kuje Correctional Facility raise serious concerns about respect for fundamental rights, judicial sanctity and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, warning that attacks on citizens within court premises undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

According to the organisation, eyewitness accounts indicated that security operatives used excessive force in handling the activist, dragging and manhandling him in full view of lawyers, supporters and members of the public.

Rafsanjani noted that the conduct of some security personnel appears to undermine Sowore’s constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly his right to dignity and protection from degrading treatment while in custody and during judicial proceedings.

The CISLAC chief further expressed concern about the deployment and conduct of heavily armed security personnel in the courtroom, noting that such actions could be interpreted as prejudging guilt or as subjecting a defendant to punishment before conviction.

Noting that 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 noted that “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.”

CISLAC added that “courts must remain symbols of justice, fairness and impartiality.

Rafsanjani also expressed concern over the incident in Kaduna State, where a woman identified as Ummulkhairi Muhammad was allegedly lynched by a mob in Maraban Jos on June 21 after being accused of child theft.

He described Muhammad’s lynching 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 in official custody.

Rafsanjani further 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.