I am shocked and disturbed by the incident that occurred at the Ogun State High Court in Ilaro, where operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded the courtroom and arrested two defendants, Fatai Isiaka and Samuel Oyero, during an ongoing trial. This egregious act of disregard for the rule of law and judicial independence is a clear affront to the very fabric of our democracy and deserves utmost condemnation. The defendants, Fatai Isiaka and Samuel Oyero, were standing trial for alleged arson related to the Obaship crisis in Agosasa town, Ipokia local government area. The trial was ongoing, with the honourable judge presiding, when the DSS operatives stormed the courtroom, disrupting the proceedings and causing chaos. The operatives, arrested the defendants and whisked them away, leaving the court and legal counsel in shock.

This incident raises several concerns and questions. Firstly, the DSS’s actions constitute a gross violation of the principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. The courts are the bastion of justice, and any attempt to undermine their authority and integrity is a threat to the rule of law. The DSS’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the judiciary’s autonomy and the due process of law.

Secondly, the timing and manner of the arrest are highly suspicious. Why did the DSS choose to arrest the defendants during an ongoing trial, disrupting the judicial process and causing undue tension? Was this a deliberate attempt to intimidate the court, the legal counsel, and the defendants?

Thirdly, this incident highlights the growing trend of executive high-handedness and disregard for the rule of law in our country. The DSS’s actions are reminiscent of the infamous invasion of the National Assembly in 2018, where operatives of the DSS blocked the entrance of the National Assembly, preventing lawmakers from entering. Such actions erode the trust and confidence in our institutions and undermine the very foundations of our democracy. The arrest of the defendants during an ongoing trial also raises questions about the DSS’s respect for the judicial process and the independence of the judiciary. In addition, this incident has far-reaching implications for the integrity of our judicial system. The DSS’s actions undermine the authority and integrity of the judiciary, and erode the trust and confidence of the public in the judicial system. If the DSS can invade a courtroom and arrest defendants during an ongoing trial, what is to stop them from doing the same in other cases? This sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the very foundations of our democracy.

I’m also saddened with the silence of the relevant authorities, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, who have refused to speak out against this egregious violation of the rule of law.

In conclusion, I condemn in the strongest terms the invasion of the Ogun State High Court in Ilaro by the DSS operatives. This brazen act of disregard for the rule of law and judicial independence is a clear affront to our democracy and deserves utmost condemnation. I call on the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this incident, ensure the safety and release of the defendants, and guarantee the independence and integrity of our judiciary. We must stand up against executive high-handedness and defend the rule of law, lest we slide into anarchy and chaos.

I also call on the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Judicial Council, and other stakeholders in the judicial system to take a stand against this violation of the rule of law and defend the integrity of our judiciary. We must not allow the DSS’s actions to go unchallenged, and we must ensure that our democracy is protected from such egregious violations of the rule of law.

•Shuaibu Bashir Mukaddam can be reached via shuaibubashir16@gmail.com; Linkledin: Amb Shuaibu Bashir Mukaddam, GCOA.

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