DSS Accuses Sowore of Using Subpoena to Delay Tinubu Cyberbullying Trial

The Department of State Services (DSS) has accused activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, of employing delaying tactics in his ongoing trial over alleged cyberbullying of President Bola Tinubu.

The secret police made the allegation before the Federal High Court in Abuja while asking the court to set aside a subpoena issued by Sowore against its lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.

Sowore is being prosecuted over social media posts published on X and Facebook in August 2025, in which he allegedly described President Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused him of misrepresenting the level of corruption in Nigeria.

In its application, the DSS argued that the subpoena was issued in bad faith and constituted an abuse of court process. The agency maintained that the evidence Sowore sought to obtain from Kehinde was irrelevant to the charges against him.

The prosecution also cited Section 192 of the Evidence Act, arguing that legal practitioners are prohibited from disclosing communications made to them in the course of their professional engagements without their clients’ consent.

Counsel to the DSS, Kenneth Cyril-Ita, further maintained that the agency had not filed any application seeking to suspend or adjourn the trial until 2027, contrary to claims allegedly made by the defendant.

The DSS argued that allowing its lead counsel to testify would place the prosecution in a difficult position, as a lawyer cannot simultaneously serve as counsel and a witness in the same case.

It consequently urged the court to nullify the subpoena and direct Sowore to proceed with his defence.

The court is expected to rule on the application on November 9, 2026, after hearing arguments from both parties.

The outcome will determine whether Sowore can compel the DSS lead prosecutor to testify in the ongoing case.