Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his decision to represent himself in his ongoing cyberbullying trial after members of his legal team reportedly withdrew from the case.
Sowore made the declaration on Friday before Justice Mohammed Umar shortly after the matter was called for the commencement of his defence.
The activist is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he made false and defamatory claims against President Bola Tinubu on his social media platforms, including X and Facebook.
When the case resumed, Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, was absent from court, leaving the defendant to address the court personally. Responding to questions from Justice Umar, Sowore claimed his lawyers had decided to stop appearing before the court following events during the previous proceedings.
“Our lawyers indicated to me they are afraid before you and will not appear any longer because of the humiliation they suffered before this court,” Sowore told the judge.
“And pending the time I am able to re-constitute a new legal team, I shall be representing myself before your lordship.”
Sowore maintained that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees his right to choose legal representation and informed the court that he had filed two applications, including a motion seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case.
The former presidential candidate subsequently moved a motion requesting Justice Umar to recuse himself, alleging bias and unfair treatment. He relied on provisions of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.
The DSS legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Akinlolu Kehinde, opposed the application and argued that the motion was procedurally defective. He further described the request as an abuse of court process aimed at frustrating the proceedings.
During arguments, Justice Umar noted that the application in the court’s records bore the signature of Marshall Abubakar, contrary to the prosecution’s claim that it was unsigned. The judge cautioned against relying on technical objections that could hinder substantive justice.
Kehinde urged the court to dismiss the application, noting that there was already a subsisting order directing the defence to commence immediately and that the matter should proceed without delay.
After hearing both sides, Justice Umar said he would need time to review the submissions before delivering a decision on the recusal request. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to June 15 for ruling and for the continuation of the defence.
Before the adjournment, Sowore appealed for additional time to engage a new legal team, citing the upcoming Democracy Day celebrations and the need to properly prepare his defence. However, the court reiterated its earlier directive that the case should proceed on a day-to-day basis.
The case remains one of the most closely watched legal battles involving freedom of expression, cybercrime allegations and political commentary in Nigeria.
