The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by African Action Alliance (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, for a lengthy adjournment in his alleged cyberbullying trial involving President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed the application filed by Sowore’s legal team, directing the defendant to continue his defence on July 16.
Sowore had, through his counsel Raphael Adakole, asked the court to postpone the defence stage until after the annual vacation of the court, citing the absence of his lead lawyer, Olumide Fusika (SAN), who is currently outside the country.
The defence argued that proceeding without the senior lawyer would affect the preparation and presentation of their case.
However, the request was opposed by counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who informed the court that the matter had already experienced several delays caused by the defendant.
Kehinde told the court that the case had suffered about 10 adjournments and reminded Justice Umar of the earlier order granting an accelerated hearing in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
The DSS lawyer argued that allowing another two-month delay would undermine the court’s directive for a speedy conclusion of the trial.
In his ruling, Justice Umar declined the application, stating that the request was inconsistent with the court’s earlier order for an accelerated hearing.
The judge subsequently ordered Sowore to appear on July 16 for the continuation of his defence.
Sowore’s Witness Speaks On Freedom Of Expression
Earlier in the proceedings, Sowore’s first witness, Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju, testified that President Bola Tinubu had previously acknowledged Nigerians’ right to criticise and express opinions about public officials.
Adeyanju told the court that during an official visit to Benue State, the President stated that citizens had the right to criticise, insult, or call him names as part of democratic freedoms.
The witness also claimed that Tinubu emphasised the importance of the judiciary protecting citizens’ rights and avoiding being used as a tool for suppressing dissent.
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Video recordings containing the alleged remarks were presented before the court during the hearing.
During cross-examination by DSS counsel, Adeyanju admitted that he previously served as Sowore’s lawyer before withdrawing from the role.
He also acknowledged making social media comments about his own experiences involving arrests and prosecutions.
However, Adeyanju agreed with the DSS counsel that President Tinubu never stated that individuals who break the law should be exempted from legal consequences.
The case has been adjourned until July 16 for the continuation of Sowore’s defence.