Human rights activist Sydney Usman Godwin has condemned the heavy armed security presence that surrounded the Federal High Court in Abuja during the court appearance of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, describing it as a "military-style siege" that reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's fear of dissent and truth-tellers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Godwin criticised the deployment of heavily armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and other security personnel around Sowore during court proceedings.
According to him, the level of force displayed could lead any observer to conclude that the activist was one of the world's most dangerous criminals rather than a citizen facing trial.
Godwin said it has become obvious that President Bola Tinubu and his regime are afraid of truth and critics.
"One glance at these images - Comrade Omoyele Sowore being marched through court premises under the watch of heavily armed DSS operatives, NCS officers, and other security agents - and any reasonable observer would conclude that Nigeria is parading one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists,” Godwin stated.
