Sowore Withdraws Plan To Call DSS DG As Witness In Alleged Defamation Trial

Sowore Withdraws Plan to Call DSS DG as Witness in Alleged Defamation Trial Human rights activist and African Action Congress AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has withdrawn his plan to call the Director-General of the Department of State Services DSS, Adeola Ajayi, as a witness in his ongoing alleged defamation trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Sowore informed the court that the evidence he had earlier sought from the DSS boss could be obtained from another official of the security agency, leading to the decision to drop the subpoena request. The development occurred during Tuesday’s proceedings as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, appeared in court and led the prosecution team on behalf of the Federal Government for the first time in the matter. Fagbemi had challenged the subpoena issued to the DSS Director-General, arguing that the document connected to the planned testimony was not authored by the DSS chief but by another official of the service who had already appeared before the court. The prosecution further argued that the DSS communication at the centre of the matter had already been presented and admitted as evidence, making another appearance unnecessary. The defence, however, maintained that it had the right to call witnesses relevant to its case. The case involves allegations of criminal defamation arising from social media posts attributed to Sowore concerning President Bola Tinubu. Sowore has denied wrongdoing and continues to defend his position before the court.

The trial is expected to continue as both sides present their arguments and evidence before the Federal High Court.