Sowore Opts to Defend Himself in Cyberbullying Trial, Seeks Judge’s Recusal

Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he will personally handle his defence in an ongoing cyberbullying case while he works to assemble a new legal team.

Sowore made the announcement on Friday before Justice Mohammed Umar when the case came up for the commencement of his defence. The court had previously ordered that the trial proceed on a day-to-day basis and fixed the date for the defence to begin presenting its case.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made defamatory and false statements about President Bola Tinubu on his social media platforms, including X and Facebook, where he reportedly referred to the President as “a criminal.”

At the hearing, DSS lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), appeared for the prosecution, while Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, was absent. Explaining the absence of his legal representatives, Sowore told the court that his legal team had chosen not to attend due to concerns arising from an earlier ruling in the case.

He further stated that he would continue with his defence on his own while seeking additional time to engage new counsel.

Sowore also disclosed that he had filed two motions before the court, including an application requesting Justice Umar to recuse himself from the case. Arguing the motion, he alleged judicial bias and urged the judge to step aside, citing relevant constitutional provisions.

The prosecution opposed the application, describing it as defective, improperly filed, and an abuse of the court process. DSS counsel argued that the motion lacked proper authentication and was designed to delay the trial.

However, Justice Umar observed that the application appeared to have been duly signed by Sowore’s counsel as reflected in the court records and declined to dismiss it on procedural grounds.

The prosecution maintained that the application was intended to frustrate the court’s schedule and urged the judge to reject it.

Following arguments from both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until Monday for a ruling on the recusal request. Although Sowore appealed for more time to secure legal representation, the court reiterated its earlier order that the proceedings continue on a day-to-day basis.

The court subsequently fixed June 15 for ruling on the application and the continuation of the defence.