The Lagos State chapter of the #EndBadGovernance Movement has strongly condemned the revocation of bail granted to activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing his continued detention at Kuje Prison as proof of what it called the “height of dictatorship under the Tinubu regime.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Oloye Adegboyega-Adeniji on behalf of its organising committee, the group demanded the immediate withdrawal of all criminal charges against Sowore, insisting that the case is politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.
The group also warned against what it described as growing authoritarian tendencies within the administration, alleging that recent court and security actions against activists reflect a coordinated effort to suppress opposition voices in the country.
“The #Endbadgovernance movement, Lagos state, strongly condemns the revocation of the bail of activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by Justice M.G. Umar and his detention in Kuje prisons,” the statement read.
“We hereby demand the immediate withdrawal of all criminal charges against Omoyele Sowore and a halt to what is clearly and without doubt a politically-motivated trial.”
The movement further criticised the conduct of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging that they attempted to forcibly remove Sowore from the courtroom despite the court’s order remanding him in prison custody.
It described the incident as a disturbing sign of what it called “murderous dictatorship” and a disregard for judicial procedure.
“We also denounce the shameful conduct of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), whose attempt to whisk away Sowore from the courtroom in violation of the order of the court remanding him in prison custody, stands as another evidence of the murderous dictatorship the Tinubu regime has become,” the group stated.
The group also raised concerns over the handling of the trial by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, alleging bias and questioning the fairness of the proceedings.
“It is our opinion that Justice M.G. Umar’s conduct throughout the ongoing trial of Omoyele Sowore raises serious concerns regarding judicial impartiality and respect for due process,” it said.
The statement added that allegations of bias against the judge and concerns over courtroom conduct have weakened public confidence in the trial, calling on him to recuse himself from the case.
“When a judge has become the subject of widespread allegations of bias and his courtroom an avenue for reckless trampling on citizens’ rights, including members of the bar, the appropriate and honourable thing is for such a judge to recuse himself. Justice is impossible where a judge’s impartiality is evidently compromised,” it added.
The group called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene and direct Justice Umar to withdraw from the case in the interest of justice and public confidence in the judiciary.
Warning of rising tension in the country, the movement said continued arrests, prosecutions, and alleged persecution of activists would not silence public anger, but could instead fuel wider resistance.
“Continued attacks on democratic rights and persecution of activists cannot stop the Nigerian people from rising to demand a change in the way the country is run,” the group warned.
“It is only a matter of time before the rising anger and frustration felt by millions of Nigerians explode onto the streets in mass protests and demonstrations.”