Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the reported plan by the Department of State Services (DSS) to screen lawyers recently shortlisted for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Reacting in a statement on his X account, Sowore described the development as evidence of a weakened legal system and a collapse of courage in Nigeria. He argued that allowing the DSS, which he described as an instrument of oppression, to screen SAN designates undermines the independence of the judiciary.
His comments followed concerns raised by a senior advocate, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, who had earlier condemned the alleged move as illegal and a threat to the autonomy of the legal profession.
“The so-called guardians of justice are reduced to seeking clearance from the very instruments of oppression. C’est fini. Nigeria is down,” Sowore wrote.
As of the time of this report, the DSS had not confirmed or denied the claim.
In July 2025, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) announced the names of 57 lawyers shortlisted for elevation to the prestigious rank of SAN.
