Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday accused the Federal Government of attempting to shield the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatisin Ajayi, from testifying in his ongoing cyberstalking trial over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a ‘criminal’.
Speaking with journalists after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, Sowore alleged that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made a surprise appearance in court to oppose the defence’s move to compel the DSS chief to testify.
According to Sowore, the defence had expected the DSS Director-General to appear in compliance with a subpoena issued by the court.
“The federal government ambushed us by the appearance of the Attorney-General. He argued that the Director-General of the DSS cannot come and testify under subpoena.
“We were expecting the DG of the DSS because he was saying that he knows everything and is very smart. We are saying this is a Federal High Court; come here and defend a letter that emanated from your office.
“Don’t forget that one of his officers had previously claimed that his signature was forged. The Attorney-General apparently came here to protect the DSS DG, who developed cold feet after receiving the subpoena,” Sowore said.
He, however, expressed confidence in his legal team, saying the Attorney-General’s intervention did not prevent the court from proceeding with the matter.
“Our lawyer was able to counter the Attorney-General’s appearance. We will meet again on Monday,” he added.
Sowore also said an important issue arose during Tuesday’s proceedings regarding his role as a public advocate.
“One thing happened in court today for the record. It was brought to the attention of the Attorney-General that the person on trial is a public fighter. The Attorney-General accepted and confirmed it, but said there are limits. I say there is no limit to fighting for justice as far as I understand,” he stated.
OSUN DEFERNDER reports that the AGF’s appearance marked the first time he personally led the prosecution in the case. He argued that the application seeking to subpoena the DSS Director-General was unnecessary, insisting that the security agency had already made one of its officials available to testify and that the defence was merely attempting to delay the proceedings.
The Federal Government is prosecuting Sowore on charges of criminal defamation, cyberstalking and incitement over social media posts made in 2024 in which he referred to President Tinubu as a criminal.
The case took a new turn during the previous hearing on July 22 when a subpoenaed DSS official, Uwem Davies, admitted under cross-examination that he authored a January 22 letter directing Sowore to remove …s, but denied writing another letter sent to Meta requesting action over the same matter, despite bearing his name.
Davies told the court he acted on the directive of the DSS Director-General and acknowledged that he did not personally verify whether Tinubu’s supporters were offended by …s before writing the letter.
Following the testimony, Sowore’s lead counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that he would seek to subpoena the DSS Director-General, arguing that NAIJAONPOINT was unable to answer several material questions. The defence also sought to compel presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga to testify.
Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until Monday for the continuation of hearing on the defence’s applications and further proceedings.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
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