Sowore Alleges Court Date Was Manipulated to Block Aba Protest Attendance

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has claimed that the Department of State Services (DSS) deliberately scheduled his court hearing to coincide with a planned protest in Aba, Abia State. He alleges the timing was intended to stop him from participating in the demonstration tied to his civic advocacy efforts.

Sowore stated that the trial date was arranged without consideration for the protest, forcing him to choose between attending the rally or appearing in court. He described the move as an infringement on his rights as both an activist and a defendant.

His claims underscore ongoing tensions between civic activism and state security processes in Nigeria, particularly as Sowore has a history of mobilizing public support for protests and facing legal challenges connected to such activities.