Tension Erupts: Teargas, Police Barriers As Sowore Arrives For Court Appearance

There was palpable tension at the Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja on Monday as heavily armed police officers barricaded the court entrance, barring lawyers, journalists, and members of the public from gaining access to the premises.

The officers, who arrived early in the morning, sealed off all entry points without providing any explanation, causing confusion and fueling speculation about the motive behind the action.

The development occurred just hours before the anticipated bail release of human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, who was said to have perfected his bail conditions.

An eyewitness told SaharaReporters:

“We saw a detachment of armed policemen with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) strategically positioned around the court.”

Lawyers and supporters of Sowore, who had gathered in solidarity, were dispersed after police fired teargas canisters within the court premises. The teargas incident also affected journalists and other legal practitioners who were in court for unrelated cases.

Many were reportedly turned back at the gate, leading to heated confrontations as they insisted on their right to perform their professional duties.

Multiple police Hilux vans and APCs were stationed at various points around the court, further heightening tension in the area. Eyewitnesses also alleged that some residents and passersby were harassed by security operatives.

Monday’s incident followed Sowore’s re-arrest by police officers on Friday, October 24, 2025, shortly after the same Kuje Magistrate Court granted him bail.