Sowore Opts For Self-Defense In Cyberbullying Case

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Friday informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he would represent himself in his ongoing alleged cyberbullying case pending the engagement of a new legal team.

The case, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), centres on allegations that Sowore made defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu through posts published on his social media platforms.

When proceedings resumed before Justice Mohammed Umar, Sowore’s counsel was absent from court.

Explaining the development, the activist told the court that his lawyers had decided to withdraw from further appearances following what he described as their dissatisfaction with events during the previous sitting.

“Our lawyers indicated to me they are afraid before you and will not appear any longer because of the humiliation they suffered before this court.

“And pending the time I am able to reconstitute a new legal team, I shall be representing myself before your lordship,” Sowore said.

Sowore maintained that the Constitution guarantees his right to choose legal representation and informed the court that he had filed applications, including a motion seeking the recusal of the trial judge.

With the court’s permission, he moved the application, urging Justice Umar to withdraw from the matter on grounds of alleged bias and unfair treatment. He relied on provisions of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that his right to a fair hearing must be protected.

Counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the application, describing it as incompetent and lacking merit. He argued that the motion contained procedural defects and was intended to delay the proceedings.

The prosecution further contended that there was already a directive for the defence to open its case and urged the court to dismiss the application.

During the exchange, Justice Umar noted that the copy of the application before the court bore the signature of Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, despite objections raised by the prosecution regarding the document served on it.

After hearing submissions from both sides, the judge said he would need time to study the application and review the arguments presented.

Sowore subsequently requested additional time to secure a new legal team, citing the upcoming Democracy Day celebrations and the need to adequately prepare his defence.

Justice Umar granted an adjournment and fixed June 15 for ruling on the recusal application and for the commencement of the defence.