Sowore Clashes With Prison Wardens Over Journalists’ Access to Federal High Court in Abuja

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday clashed with Nigerian Correctional Service wardens at the Federal High Court in Abuja over restrictions on journalists’ access to the court premises.

The confrontation reportedly occurred on October 27, 2026, after correctional officers and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives barricaded parts of the court premises, preventing journalists from filming or accessing the area to cover court activities.

Sowore reportedly intervened after witnessing what he described as the harassment of journalists and his supporters, leading to a heated exchange with the security personnel. Videos of the incident circulated online, showing a confrontation involving Sowore, security officers and other individuals at the courthouse.

Reacting to the incident, Sowore criticised the wardens in a post on his official X account, arguing that the Federal High Court was a public institution and should not be treated as the private property of security officials.

He maintained that journalists had a legitimate responsibility to report activities around the courthouse and urged correctional officers to respect press freedom and allow media practitioners to carry out their duties.
The incident occurred amid Sowore’s ongoing trial over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” The case is being prosecuted by the DSS, and Sowore has maintained his position regarding the posts.

The confrontation has renewed debate over media access to court premises, press freedom and the conduct of security personnel at public institutions. While some social media users backed Sowore’s demand for journalists to be allowed to report, others criticised his approach to confronting security officers.