A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final warning to African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to commence his defence in the defamation case instituted against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamatory remarks about President Bola Tinubu.
Drivetvnews gathered that Justice Mohammed Garba Umar gave the directive on Thursday after Sowore’s lead counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), and another member of his legal team, Reuben Adakole, failed to appear in court without explanation, despite an earlier order for the defence to proceed.
At the previous sitting on July 13, Sowore’s counsel had requested that the trial be adjourned until after the court’s annual vacation, citing Fusika’s absence from the country due to family matters. However, the application was opposed by DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who argued that the defendant had already benefited from 10 previous adjournments.
Kehinde also reminded the court that the matter had been placed on accelerated hearing in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, urging the court not to permit further delays.
Justice Umar rejected the request for a lengthy adjournment and ordered Sowore to return on July 16 to continue his defence.
Although Sowore was present at Thursday’s proceedings, his legal representatives were absent. The judge expressed displeasure over the development and adjourned the case to July 22, warning that if the defence fails to proceed on that date, the court may close Sowore’s defence as requested by the prosecution.
The trial stems from allegations that Sowore defamed President Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal on his Facebook page and X account.
Sowore had earlier opened his defence by calling human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju as his first witness, who completed his testimony and cross-examination during the July 13 proceedings.
