Omoyele Sowore was a victim of physical assault at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, October 21 The Sahara Reporters publisher was attacked by some thugs who gained access to him while he was trying to enter the courtroom Sowore was one of those who came to witness the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained IPOB leader.
Prior to the commencement of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, there was mayhem at the venue following the activities of some hoodlums on Thursday, October 21. This started when the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, tried to gain access into the court chamber where the trial is to be held.
The Nation reports that while Sowore was discussing with security agents at the entrance, he was attacked by at least 20 thugs who rough-handled him and left the scene.
The ugly development caused serious tension and confusion as those who witnessed this expressed anger over the fact that the hoodlums had free access to Sowore.
Before the attack, the activist was heard saying:
“A courtroom is not complete except people are there to witness proceedings. I want to sit right in front of the judge and witness it all. “They have assured us that Kanu will get justice. He is my friend and I should be here. But the security agencies are still not allowing me in.”
Meanwhile, the federal government was not leaving anything to chance as it sent a good number of security operatives to the court in Abuja for the trial of Kanu. Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and officers of the Nigerian Police Force were seen guarding every entrance to the court and the streets leading to the court building.
Journalists whose names were not on a prepared list were not allowed near the court premises. The staff of the court who arrived in buses were made to stand in a queue and were searched before gaining entrance into the premises.
