ASSAULT ON SOWORE, LYNCHING OF UMMULKHAIRI EXPOSE DANGEROUS CRACKS IN NIGERIA’S JUSTICE SYSTEM — CISLAC
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the alleged assault of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, as well as the lynching of Ummulkhairi Muhammad in Kaduna State, describing both incidents as dangerous indicators of the growing erosion of the rule of law in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CISLAC Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed deep concern over reports that security operatives allegedly manhandled Sowore after court proceedings that revoked his bail and ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Facility.
According to the organisation, eyewitness accounts indicated that security personnel used excessive force in handling the activist, dragging and physically assaulting him in full view of lawyers, supporters and members of the public.
Rafsanjani described the incident as disturbing and inconsistent with democratic values, warning that such actions threaten public confidence in the nation’s justice system and democratic institutions.
He noted that attacks on citizens within court premises raise serious questions about respect for fundamental human rights, judicial sanctity and the protection of civic freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
The CISLAC boss further expressed concern over the deployment and conduct of heavily armed security operatives inside the courtroom environment, arguing that such actions could be interpreted as intimidation and a violation of the principle of presumption of innocence.
According to him, public confidence in the rule of law depends not only on adherence to legal procedures but also on the fairness, neutrality and professionalism displayed by institutions responsible for administering justice.
“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 warned that the incident reflects a broader pattern of intimidation directed at dissenting voices and critical opinions, stressing that no democracy can thrive where courtrooms become arenas for violence, harassment and excessive use of force.
The organisation also expressed outrage over the lynching of Ummulkhairi Muhammad in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, on June 21.
According to reports cited by CISLAC, the woman was accused of child theft and had been taken into police custody for protection. However, an angry mob reportedly overpowered security personnel, forcefully removed her from custody, killed her and subsequently set her body ablaze.
Rafsanjani described the killing as a tragic example of the growing prevalence of jungle justice and a glaring failure of state institutions to guarantee the safety and protection of citizens, even while under official custody.
He 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 commitment to human rights.
CISLAC therefore called for independent, transparent and impartial investigations into both incidents and urged authorities to ensure accountability for all individuals found culpable, whether among security personnel involved in the treatment of Sowore or those responsible for the lynching of Ummulkhairi Muhammad.
The organisation also urged the government to strengthen measures aimed at protecting civic freedoms, safeguarding judicial independence and improving the capacity of security agencies to protect lives and uphold the rule of law.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, democratic governance and the protection of human rights, CISLAC expressed solidarity with Sowore, the family of the late Ummulkhairi Muhammad and all victims of repression and mob violence across the country.
Rafsanjani stressed that urgent and decisive action by relevant authorities is necessary to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and legal institutions and prevent further erosion of the rule of law.