The chaotic situation reportedly escalated when security operatives forcefully blocked access to the court premises and physically manhandled lawyers, journalists, and supporters attempting to gain entry.
A constitutional lawyer, Tope Temokun, has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and court security officials of turning Nigerian courts into militarised zones where lawyers, journalists, and litigants are routinely harassed and denied access to justice.
Temokun issued the fiery statement on Monday following violent scenes at the Federal High Court in Abuja during proceedings in the trial of activist and social media critic, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that tension erupted at the court premises after heavily armed DSS operatives, police officers, and court security personnel assaulted lawyers and innocent Nigerians while restricting access to the courtroom.
Justice Crack is facing charges of cybercrime and alleged incitement brought against him by the Nigerian government over viral videos he posted on X (formerly Twitter), exposing poor feeding conditions and welfare challenges faced by Nigerian soldiers.
