Operatives of the Department of State Services on Monday handed over human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, to officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service at the Federal High Court Abuja, who subsequently conveyed him to the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The correctional officials arrived at the court premises in a prison transport vehicle, popularly called “Black Maria,” and formally took custody of Sowore from DSS operatives amid tight security.
Sowore was brought out around 2:10 p.m. from an undisclosed location within the court premises, hours after his earlier arrest by DSS operatives triggered confusion and protests among his supporters.
Addressing a crowd shortly before his departure, Sowore appeared composed as he urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in demanding accountability and good governance.
He also confirmed that he would return to court on Wednesday for the continuation of his trial.
The activist, however, criticised the manner of his transportation, questioning why he was conveyed in a prison van while, according to him, some public officials accused of corruption are transported in more comfortable vehicles.
“I would rather be taken in a Hilux than a Black Maria,” he said, insisting that he would continue his advocacy for a better Nigeria despite the circumstances.
Some of his supporters at the court premises openly expressed displeasure, booing security operatives and accusing them of creating tension within the court environment.
Earlier in the day, uncertainty had surrounded Sowore’s whereabouts after DSS operatives whisked him away from the court to an undisclosed location, raising concerns among observers and supporters.
His eventual transfer to the correctional authorities, however, brought some clarity to the situation as legal proceedings in the case continue.
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