The protest at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday highlighted growing tensions around the detention of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore. Protesters, rallying under the #EndBadGovernance movement, voiced strong criticism of the police’s handling of the situation, accusing authorities of intimidation and misplaced priorities.
They demanded that Sowore either be brought before the court immediately or released if no formal charges had been filed. Some protesters expressed frustration that the police, instead of addressing pressing issues like rising crime, were focused on suppressing peaceful demonstrations.
The protesters also called for an end to the alleged weaponization of the judiciary against government critics. They argued that cases against critics of the government should be struck out, and the authorities should focus on more significant matters rather than pursuing cases they considered trivial.
Despite a heavy police presence, the protesters vowed to continue their advocacy until their demands for Sowore’s release and broader political reforms were met.