The area surrounding the Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a large turnout of protesters on Tuesday as supporters of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore gathered to demand his immediate release during his court appearance.
The demonstrators, who arrived at the court premises early in the day, chanted solidarity songs and repeatedly called for Sowore’s freedom, with chants of “Free Sowore Now!” echoing around the court complex. The protest drew citizens from different walks of life, turning the area into a focal point for calls for justice and the protection of civil liberties.
Tension briefly erupted when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly attempted to stop protesters from recording the demonstration. The move was met with resistance from some demonstrators, who questioned the directive.
“How can the DSS tell us not to record them?” one protester was heard shouting as others gathered around, sparking a heated exchange with security personnel.
The incident underscored the growing tension between security agencies seeking to maintain order and demonstrators insisting on their right to document events unfolding in a public space.
