Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned what it described as the “inhuman treatment” of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the conduct of DSS personnel during Sowore’s arrest as intimidating, embarrassing and inconsistent with the professionalism expected of the country’s secret service.
According to Ajaero, the manner in which the activist was taken into custody amounted to unnecessary intimidation and public humiliation, projecting an image far removed from the restraint and sophistication expected of the agency.
The labour leader also questioned the DSS’s role in prosecuting the case, arguing that the agency appeared to have exceeded its constitutional mandate.
He maintained that criminal prosecution is ordinarily the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, warning that allowing a security agency to function as both accuser and jailer could weaken public confidence in the justice system.
Ajaero cautioned that democracy and the rule of law are endangered whenever state institutions prioritise the protection of individuals or governments over the broader interests of the state.
Drawing parallels with the Watergate scandal in the United States, he stressed the importance of strong and independent institutions in sustaining democratic governance.
He warned that attempts by public institutions to curry favour with political leaders could erode democracy and weaken public trust.
The NLC president urged security agencies to respect the rights of citizens and operate strictly within the limits of the law, insisting that democracy can only thrive where institutions remain independent, professional and accountable.
He further called on all state institutions to uphold constitutional principles and ensure the protection of individual rights in the administration of justice.
