By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised concerns over what it described as disturbing incidents involving alleged human rights violations and mob violence, condemning the treatment of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja and the lynching of a woman in Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CISLAC Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, criticised the alleged manhandling of Sowore by security operatives following court proceedings that reportedly revoked his bail and ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Rafsanjani described reports of the activist being dragged and physically handled within the court premises as troubling and incompatible with democratic principles, judicial integrity and respect for fundamental human rights.
According to the organisation, eyewitnesses reported that security personnel employed excessive force while escorting Sowore from the courtroom, an action witnessed by legal practitioners, supporters and members of the public.
The advocacy group warned that such conduct within a judicial environment could weaken public confidence in the justice system and further shrink Nigeria’s civic space.
“Respect for the rule of law extends beyond legal procedures to the manner in which individuals are treated during judicial processes. Courts must remain symbols of justice, fairness and impartiality,” Rafsanjani stated.
He argued that the deployment and conduct of heavily armed security personnel in courtrooms, particularly in cases involving activists and government critics, could create perceptions of intimidation and undermine confidence in the neutrality of judicial proceedings.
The CISLAC Executive Director noted that the incident reflects growing concerns over the treatment of dissenting voices and warned against any actions capable of portraying courts as arenas of coercion rather than justice.
The organisation also expressed outrage over the killing of a woman identified as Ummulkhairi Muhammad in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, after she was accused of child theft.
According to reports cited by CISLAC, the victim had been taken into protective custody by law enforcement officers but was allegedly seized by an angry mob that overpowered security personnel, killed her and subsequently set her remains ablaze.
Rafsanjani described the incident as a tragic illustration of the rising incidence of jungle justice and the inability of institutions to guarantee the safety of individuals even while under official protection.
He warned that the twin challenges of alleged political repression and mob violence pose significant threats to democratic governance, social stability and the protection of human rights in the country.
CISLAC called for thorough, independent and transparent investigations into both incidents, urging relevant authorities to ensure that all individuals found culpable are held accountable in accordance with the law.
The organisation further appealed to government at all levels to strengthen safeguards for civic freedoms, reinforce judicial independence and improve the capacity of security agencies to protect lives and uphold constitutional rights.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic accountability, justice and human rights, CISLAC expressed solidarity with Sowore, the family of the late Ummulkhairi Muhammad and other victims of abuse and violence across the country.
Rafsanjani stressed that urgent and decisive action is required to restore public confidence in state institutions and prevent further erosion of democratic values and the rule of law.
