Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has called on the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, to honour a subpoena requiring him to appear in court as a witness. Sowore spoke in Abuja on Friday after court proceedings, stating that his legal team will take necessary steps to compel Ajayi to testify. The case centres on Sowore's description of President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.
Sowore identified Ajayi as a key witness for the defence, citing his control over information relevant to the case. The AAC presidential candidate maintained that the defence has the right to determine how to present its case and which witnesses to call. Sowore alleged that the prosecution initially agreed to Ajayi's appearance but later withdrew from the agreement. He expressed concern over the prosecution's objection to Ajayi's appearance, stressing that the defence, not the prosecution, chose Ajayi as a witness.
The case has been ongoing, with Sowore's legal team seeking to compel Ajayi to testify. Sowore alleged that the Attorney-General of the Federation intervened to stop Ajayi from appearing personally before the court. He claimed that the prosecution's actions are aimed at frustrating the defence's attempt to bring Ajayi before the court. Sowore questioned the prosecution's objection to Ajayi's appearance, citing the defence's right to present its case.
Sowore expressed concern over the court's refusal to allow the defence to formally respond to the application concerning Ajayi's appearance. He argued that the defence should have the opportunity to file its processes and cite additional authorities. The judge has ruled that he will decide on Ajayi's appearance next Tuesday. Sowore's legal team is seeking to ensure that Ajayi's testimony is heard, as it is crucial to the defence's case.
The DSS DG's appearance is crucial to the case, as Sowore's legal team believes he holds information that can impact the trial's outcome. Sowore maintained that Ajayi's testimony remains important to the case, and the defence will take necessary steps to ensure his appearance. The prosecution's objection to Ajayi's appearance has raised concerns about the fairness of the trial.
Sowore's call for Ajayi to honour the subpoena has sparked debate about the role of the DSS in the trial. The AAC presidential candidate has vowed to take every necessary step to ensure that his defence is presented fairly. He stressed that the defence, not the prosecution, has the right to determine which witnesses to call.
The trial is set to continue next Tuesday, with the judge expected to rule on Ajayi's appearance. Sowore's legal team will likely take further action to ensure that Ajayi testifies. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain, but Sowore's determination to present his defence has been made clear.
Key points
- Sowore challenges DSS DG to honour subpoena in cyberbullying trial.
- Defence seeks to compel Ajayi's appearance as a witness.
- Trial's outcome uncertain, with judge to rule on Ajayi's appearance next Tuesday.
