The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja for time to seek subpoenas compelling the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, to testify in his ongoing trial over alleged criminal defamation.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Sowore’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, told the court he intended to apply for a subpoena against the DSS Director-General after a defence witness, DSS official Uwem Davies, was unable to answer some of the questions put to him during cross-examination.
Olumide-Fusika also informed the court that although an application had already been made for a subpoena to be issued to Onanuga, court bailiffs had not been able to serve him.
DSS Witness Explains Letter to Sowore
Davies, who appeared in court under subpoena, testified that he wrote a letter dated January 22 directing Sowore to remove social media posts concerning President Bola Tinubu. He said the instruction came from the DSS Director-General because the posts were considered capable of causing public tension.
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The witness, however, denied writing another letter dated September 7, 2025, addressed to Meta. He told the court that the document was authored by B. Bamigboye, a retired DSS officer.
Court Rejects Uncertified Document
In a separate ruling, trial judge Mohammed Umar declined the defence’s attempt to tender an uncertified court document through Wayne Chikezie Elijah, a former member of Sowore’s legal team.
The prosecution opposed the move, arguing that the document presented was neither the original copy nor a certified true copy.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Umar upheld the objection, saying the document could have been altered while in the custody of counsel and was therefore inadmissible as evidence.
The case was adjourned until July 28 for the continuation of the defence.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.