Again, DSS Asks Court to Foreclose Sowore’s Defence Over Alleged Trial Delays

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to foreclose the defence of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of deliberately frustrating the progress of his criminal trial.

The application was made before Justice Mohammed Umar by counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), after Sowore’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), sought an adjournment of the proceedings.

Olumide-Fusika informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the continuation of the defence and disclosed that a witness subpoenaed from the office of the Director-General of the DSS was present in court.

However, he explained that the defence could not proceed because an application filed on July 22 requesting the court to certify certain documents required for the witness’s testimony had only been approved shortly before the court commenced sitting.

According to him, the delay resulted from administrative issues at the court registry rather than any action by the defence.

Opposing the request, Kehinde argued that the defence had repeatedly adopted tactics aimed at delaying the trial despite several opportunities granted by the court.

He maintained that the prosecution had fulfilled its obligation by ensuring that the nominated DSS officer appeared in court as agreed and insisted that it was the responsibility of the defence to follow up on its own application.

The senior advocate urged the court to invoke its case management powers by closing the defence and directing parties to file their final written addresses.

He argued that the constitutional right to a fair hearing guarantees an opportunity to be heard, not an unlimited right to prolong proceedings.

Olumide-Fusika rejected the submission, accusing the prosecution of ignoring the facts surrounding the registry’s delay and insisting that the defence had no intention of frustrating the trial.

The disagreement escalated into a heated verbal exchange between both senior lawyers, prompting Justice Umar to caution them against further misconduct.

The judge warned that he would not hesitate to refer any counsel engaging in such behaviour to the appropriate disciplinary authorities.

Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the case until September 20, 2026, for the continuation of the defence.

Sowore is facing charges of criminal defamation, cyberstalking and incitement over social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”