The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has condemned the alleged intimidation by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court during proceedings involving activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s civic space and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA described the incident as deeply troubling and inconsistent with democratic principles, raising concerns about judicial independence and respect for fundamental human rights.
According to the organisation, DSS operatives reportedly blocked lawyers, supporters and members of the public from accessing the courtroom on Wednesday, while also intimidating individuals within the court premises and restricting movement around the venue.
HEDA noted that the incident followed earlier reports that Sowore was forcefully handled by DSS operatives on Monday, describing the pattern as a disturbing trend of harassment and intimidation.
Suraju stated that if confirmed, the actions represent a dangerous deviation from the conduct expected of security agencies in a constitutional democracy and could erode public confidence in the justice system.
“Courts are public institutions established to uphold justice and fairness and should remain accessible to litigants, lawyers, journalists, observers and members of the public. Any action that creates fear or restricts lawful access to court proceedings threatens the openness and transparency essential to the judicial process,” he said.
The organisation emphasised that rights to fair hearing, freedom of expression, association and access to justice are guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and protected by international human rights instruments.
HEDA further warned that recurring intimidation and restrictions within civic and judicial spaces contribute to the shrinking of Nigeria’s civic space, discourage public participation and weaken democratic accountability.
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The group called on the leadership of the DSS to investigate the reported incidents and ensure accountability where misconduct is established, urging the agency to uphold professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights during court proceedings.
It maintained that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive where courts remain open, accessible and free from intimidation, stressing that courtrooms must serve as sanctuaries of justice rather than arenas of fear.
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