DSS Says Sowore’s Bid to Make Its Lawyer Witness in Alleged Cyberbullying Trial Dilatory, Judge Fixes Ruling for Nov 9

The Department of State Services (DSS) has argued that African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore's attempt to make lead counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, a witness in the alleged cyberbullying trial against Sowore is a tactic to delay proceedings. The DSS contends that the subpoena issued by Sowore to Kehinde is without merit and violates legal principles, as Section 192 of the Evidence Act prohibits legal practitioners from disclosing communications made to them without their client's consent.

The DSS further alleges that the subpoena is an abuse of court process intended to harass Kehinde. Following arguments from both sides, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar set November 9 for a ruling on Sowore's application to enforce the subpoena. At the hearing, Kenneth Cyril-Ita, representing the DSS, requested the court to dismiss the subpoena, arguing that the evidence sought would be irrelevant to the cyberbullying trial against Sowore.

Cyril-Ita emphasized that the subpoena would prevent the Federal Republic of Nigeria from selecting counsel of its choice in the case, as counsel cannot simultaneously serve as a witness and represent the prosecution. Sowore's counsel, Adeyinka Olumide Fusika, countered that the subpoena is a legitimate request for testimony related to the trial. The judge directed the matter for a ruling on November 9.