The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2027 general election, Omoyele Sowore, has lost his bid to compel the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, to appear personally as a witness in his ongoing trial.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Sowore’s application on Monday after hearing arguments from the defence and the DSS.
Sowore is being prosecuted over allegations of cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.
The application, filed through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide Fusika (SAN), sought an order compelling Ajayi to testify about the DSS’s official activities relating to the case against the activist.
However, the DSS, represented by Akinlolu Thomas Kehinde (SAN), opposed the application, arguing that another official of the agency could provide the required testimony on behalf of the director-general.
Kehinde maintained that the case concerned official duties rather than Ajayi’s personal actions and that an authorised DSS official could testify on the agency’s behalf.
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that the subpoena issued to the DSS director-general concerned official acts of the agency and that the expected testimony was not personal to Ajayi.
The judge consequently ruled that another DSS official could appear in court to give evidence on behalf of the organisation.
Following the ruling, Fusika called Michael Jego, a DSS investigating officer, as the third defence witness.
The decision means Ajayi will not be required to appear personally as a witness under the subpoena challenged in the application, while the defence can proceed with testimony from another DSS official.
Read related news:
Sowore attacks Davido over meeting with Wike after Osun election
Sowore defends Tyla amid boycott calls over xenophobic attacks
Sowore seeks review of Kano cannabis verdict, calls seven-year jail term ;jungle justice
Federal High Court in Kebbi nullifies APC primary for Argungu/Augie federal constituency, orders fresh election within 14 days
