There was drama today at the premises of Federal High Court, Abuja, when prominent human rights activist and presidential flagbearer of African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, came face-to-face with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN, who initiated treason charges against the former during the administration of the now-late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The penalty for conviction for treason in Nigeria is death.
The encounter between both personalities, which was reportedly witnessed by lawyers and court officials, led to a tense exchange over past prosecutions and the current political atmosphere, according to a report today in SaharaReporters, sighted by People&Politics.
Sowore, who is the Publisher of SaharaReporters and Convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, the paper continues, used the encounter to revisit what he called the abuse of state power during Malami’s tenure under former Buhari, particularly his prosecution on treason-related charges.
Recounting his ordeal under the Buhari administration, Sowore accused Malami of weaponising state power against dissenters, particularly referencing the treason charges filed against him during the “RevolutionNow” protests.
“The tables have turned,” Sowore said, pointing at Malami.
“See, now you still have bail while being persecuted.
“When you were the Attorney General and Minister of Justice during the Buhari regime, you were charging Sowore for treason. See how they are dealing with you now,” he further verbally jabbed at Malami.
In a tone mixing sarcasm with defiance, Sowore added: “Let me give you a RevolutionNow cap; we want to recruit you. Now you understand that there is failure in the system; the same system is dealing with you now.”
Malami, however, appeared unfazed, insisting that his commitment to Nigeria remained intact despite his current circumstances.
“I can never be down as far as the Nigerian project is concerned,” Malami responded, maintaining a composed posture.
Sowore continued, recalling his repeated warnings during court appearances under the Buhari administration.
The paper quoted him thus: “When I used to come to court during the Buhari regime, I told you that the regime would end in disgrace and you can see it today. We are now on the same side.”
Apparently realizing that power is transient, Malami interjected calmly: “The table has a way of turning.”
Doubling down, Sowore responded: “That is why we kept telling you people when you were in power that ‘this is our country. No matter how powerful you think you are, we will never succumb to injustice’. I’m glad you are going through your own ‘institute of life’.”
Malami replied: “The table keeps turning, and we will keep standing by it.”
In a final jab, Sowore jokingly remarked that Malami’s “table has now turned to the side of the oppressed.”
The Buhari era was a period widely criticised by civil society groups for alleged human rights violations and disregard for court orders.
His tenure under Buhari was frequently at the centre of controversies involving the prosecution of activists, journalists, and opposition figures,the paper recalled.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Sowore (left) and Malami (r).
