Tension as Legal Team Warns Sowore’s Supporters to Avoid Kuje Magistrate Court Over Alleged Police Plot
By Paul Ebi
Supporters of Nigerian activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore have been urged to stay away from the Kuje Magistrate Court following alleged intelligence reports suggesting that security forces plan to instigate unrest and frame them for violence.
In a statement issued early Monday, Sowore’s legal team advised all supporters to “stay off the court for now,” citing credible intelligence that the Nigeria Police Force intends to provoke commotion in order to justify a crackdown.
> “Reliable intelligence confirms that the Nigerian Police has planned to cause commotion and frame Sowore’s supporters, just to prevent Omoyele Sowore from being brought before the court today,” the statement read.
According to sources close to the activist’s camp, the police are allegedly preparing to claim that supporters had planned to “attack the court,” thereby creating a false narrative to validate any arrests or disruptions that might occur.
The statement also alleged that even if the presiding judge grants Sowore bail, “there are plans by men loyal to the Inspector General of Police to re-arrest him immediately outside the court premises.”
Describing the development as “a clear sign of political persecution and an attempt to silence the voice of the oppressed,” Sowore’s legal representatives called on Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant.
> “We urge all comrades and supporters to remain peaceful and watchful as we continue to demand justice for Omoyele Sowore,” the team said.
Sowore, a pro-democracy campaigner and founder of the #RevolutionNow movement, has faced multiple arrests and prosecutions since 2019 over his outspoken criticism of the Nigerian government. His supporters maintain that his detention is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to stifle dissent.
Social media has since been flooded with renewed calls for his release under the hashtags #FreeSoworeNow, #RevolutionNow, and #JusticeForSowore.
