Abuja — A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing trial of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore over alleged cyberbullying of President Bola Tinubu, as a Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected his attempt to compel the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, to testify personally.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar dismissed the application after considering arguments from Sowore’s defence team and the DSS over a subpoena issued to the agency’s director-general.
Sowore had asked the court to compel Ajayi to appear as a witness to provide evidence concerning the security agency’s official activities relevant to the case.
His lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Olumide Fusika, argued that the DSS chief’s personal appearance was necessary to address issues raised by the defence.
However, the DSS opposed the application, insisting that another authorised officer could provide the required evidence without the director-general appearing in person.
The agency’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Akinlolu Kehinde, maintained that the matters in question related to the official functions of the DSS rather than issues requiring Ajayi’s personal testimony.
After hearing both sides, Justice Umar ruled that the evidence sought concerned the agency’s official activities and that there was no sufficient basis to insist that its director-general must personally appear in court.
The judge consequently held that another authorised DSS official could testify on behalf of the agency.
DSS Investigator Takes the Stand
Following the ruling, Sowore’s defence team proceeded with its case by calling Michael Jego, a DSS investigating officer, as its third defence witness.
Jego was subsequently led in evidence by Fusika as proceedings continued despite the court’s refusal to compel the DSS director-general to testify personally.
The ruling effectively cleared the way for the defence to obtain relevant evidence from another DSS official, rather than the agency’s head.
What the Ruling Means for Sowore
The court’s decision focused specifically on the identity of the DSS official required to testify. It did not determine whether Sowore was guilty of the allegations against him.
The trial concerns statements about President Tinubu that authorities have characterised as cyberbullying.
The case has attracted public attention because of Sowore’s prominence as a political activist, publisher of Sahara Reporters and outspoken critic of successive Nigerian administrations.
As the proceedings continue, the prosecution and defence are expected to present their respective evidence for the court’s consideration.
For now, the immediate outcome is clear: Sowore’s bid to compel the DSS director-general to appear personally has been rejected, but his defence will continue through other witnesses.
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