The State Security Service (SSS) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to close the defence of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of deliberately delaying proceedings in his ongoing criminal defamation case.
The request was made on Monday by the SSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), before Justice Mohammed Umar after Sowore’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), sought an adjournment, saying the defence was unable to proceed with its scheduled witness.
Olumide-Fusika explained that although the matter was fixed for continuation of the defence, an application filed on July 22 seeking the court’s certification of documents intended for the subpoenaed witness was only discovered to have been approved shortly before Monday’s sitting. He blamed the delay on the court registry, insisting the defence could not continue without the certified documents.
He noted that the witness had appeared in court following a subpoena issued to the Director-General of the SSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, but argued that proceeding without the necessary documents would undermine the defence’s case.
Opposing the request, Kehinde described the application as another attempt to prolong the trial. He argued that the prosecution had fulfilled its obligation by ensuring that the nominated SSS officer appeared in court, adding that it was the responsibility of the defence to monitor the progress of its own application.
The senior advocate urged the court to invoke its case management powers by closing the defence and directing both parties to file their final written addresses. According to him, the Constitution guarantees a fair hearing but does not permit endless delays. He also relied on constitutional provisions and a Supreme Court decision to support his argument that courts should not tolerate deliberate attempts to stall criminal proceedings.
In response, Olumide-Fusika rejected the prosecution’s claims, maintaining that the delay resulted from administrative issues rather than any intention to frustrate the trial. He argued that communication regarding the approval of the application rested with the court registry and insisted the defence had acted in good faith throughout the proceedings.
The hearing later descended into a heated exchange between both senior lawyers, with each accusing the other of acting improperly. Their disagreement prompted Justice Umar to intervene and caution them against unprofessional conduct, warning that any further misconduct could be referred to the appropriate disciplinary authorities.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the behaviour of counsel, the judge said such conduct was unacceptable in his courtroom and announced that he would not continue with the hearing.
Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the case until September 20 for the continuation of the defence. Both lawyers later apologised to the court following the adjournment.
Sowore is facing charges of criminal defamation, cyberstalking and incitement after allegedly referring to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts. He has denied the allegations.