The trial of Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu was stalled on Thursday at a Federal High Court in Abuja. Sowore was absent in court, prompting prosecuting lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to note his absence. Defence lawyer T. O. Etonyeaku informed the court that Sowore was in Ekiti State for presidential campaign activities.
Etonyeaku requested a stand-down to allow another senior lawyer to arrive and conduct the defence. However, Judge Justice Mohammed Umar drew attention to a letter written by Sowore personally to the court, requesting an adjournment. Kehinde denied being copied on the letter and argued that it was improper for the accused to bypass his lawyer and write directly to the court.
Kehinde further argued that since there was no evidence that Sowore had discontinued the services of his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, he should not have written to the court personally. Despite this, Kehinde conceded to an adjournment in the interest of justice. The court had previously ordered the defence to respond to a written address on whether Kehinde could be subpoenaed as a defence witness.
The case relates to posts made by Sowore on X and Facebook, describing President Tinubu as a "criminal" and accusing him of lying about corruption levels in the country. The Department of State Services, DSS, is prosecuting Sowore. The defence had yet to respond to Kehinde's written address, leading to an adjournment.
Justice Umar adjourned the case to November 3 for adoption and continuation of defence. Sowore's absence and letter requesting an adjournment led to the stalling of the trial. The case has garnered significant attention due to its implications for free speech and cyberbullying.
The prosecuting lawyer had previously noted that the defence was yet to respond to his written address. The court will review the responses and continue with the defence on November 3. Sowore's case has sparked debate on the limits of free speech and the consequences of cyberbullying.
The trial's adjournment provides temporary reprieve for Sowore, but the case remains ongoing. The outcome will have implications for Sowore's political career and the broader discussion on cyberbullying and free speech in Nigeria. The case will continue on November 3.
Key points
- The trial of Omoyele Sowore for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu was stalled due to his absence and a letter requesting an adjournment.
- Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services, DSS, over posts made on X and Facebook.
- The case has sparked debate on the limits of free speech and the consequences of cyberbullying.
