Sowore’s re-arrest: Reps probe DSS invasion of court

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives yesterday resolved to investigate the recent invasion of the Federal High Court premises in Abuja while attempting to re-arrest the Convener of the ‘Revolution Now’ movement, Omoyele Sowore.
DSS operatives had stormed the court premises to re-arrest Sowore, who was appearing for his continued trial.
The resolution of the House followed a motion introduced during Tuesday’s plenary session by Ndudi Elumelu, minority leader.
The arrest, which took place less than 24 hours after he was released by the secret police, was widely condemned by many Nigerians and groups.
Elumelu said the lawmakers need to investigate the incident which he describe as an attempt to overpower the judiciary.
He condemned the “exhibition of thuggery, brute force, lawlessness, contempt and disregard for the rule of law” during the incident within the court premises.
“A situation where one arm (of government) is seen to be overpowering another in the course of dispensing her duties, will definitely spell doom for the separation of powers as enshrined in the constitution,” he said.
“The actions of these unidentified persons disrupted judicial proceedings on the 6th day of December 2019,and made the presiding judge to abandon her duty post because of safety concerns.
“This is a complete desecration of the temple of justice and such an action should be completely discouraged.”
He said if the “abuse” is not checked, the national assembly “may one day be invaded and the relevant security agencies will claim not knowing who the offenders are.”
The matter was subsequently referred to the relevant house committees to investigate the matter and report back within two weeks.
In his ruling, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila who presided over the plenary, subsequently referred to the relevant House Committees to investigate the matter and report back within two weeks.