A political activist and publisher, Omeleye Sowore, on Monday, mocked former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, during an appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Sowore, in a pointed critique, accused Malami of now facing the same justice system he once defended during his time in government.
In a video circulating online, Sowore directly addressed Malami, stating: “You see how it feels now to be persecuted. When you were with Buhari, you were bragging. We warned you then that there was failure in the justice system, but you didn’t listen, and now the system is dealing with you.” He further emphasized, “There is failure in the system. The system is dealing with you now.”
The exchange, which quickly gained attention, was not just limited to words. Sowore also made symbolic gestures during the confrontation, offering Malami a “revolutionary cap.”
He remarked: “I want to give you my cap. This is a revolutionary cap,” drawing attention to the perceived irony in Malami’s current situation.
While Sowore’s comments were sharp, he acknowledged Malami’s resilience, noting: “At least I’m glad that you are strong,” highlighting his belief that Malami has endured despite his controversial role in the previous administration.
Sowore then extended his critique to the broader issue of the justice system, suggesting that the failures of the system are not limited to officials like Malami but affect everyone, including critics of the regime.
“We are not all on the same side… even the oppressors are oppressing you now,” Sowore said, underscoring the systemic issues that continue to plague Nigeria’s legal structure.
Sowore’s remarks were consistent with his long-standing stance on governance and accountability, reinforcing his commitment to challenging Nigeria’s political leadership. “As far as the Nigerian project is concerned, no matter how powerful you people are, we will never support you. We are resilient till tomorrow,” he concluded.
In response to the criticisms, Malami briefly defended his actions, reiterating that he has been attending all his court sittings and remain steadfast in his legal proceedings.
“I can never be down. Well, I have been attending all my court sittings; I will keep attending. And I remain strong,” Malami stated.