Court Sets Aside Subpoena for DSS Lawyer in Sowore Trial
A Federal High Court in Abuja has set aside a subpoena seeking to compel Department of State Services (DSS) lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to testify in Omoyele Sowore’s cyberbullying case.
Justice Mohammed Umar ruled on Monday that a lawyer generally cannot be forced to disclose information connected to legal representation. He said exceptions may apply in limited circumstances, such as when the evidence concerns an undisputed issue and would not harm the client’s interests. Channels Television
The case stems from publications in which Sowore allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” The ruling was described in media reports as Sowore’s fifth setback in the proceedings. THISDAY
After the decision, defence counsel R.O. Adakole told the court that the defence wanted to call INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan and APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe. The judge approved subpoenas for both. The case was adjourned until November 11, 2026, for their appearance. The Guardian
The subpoena dispute follows an earlier attempt to compel DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi to testify about the agency’s activities in the case. The court instead allowed another senior DSS official to appear on his behalf; investigating officer Michael Jego was designated to do so.
Earlier in the trial, the court dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission and ordered him to present his defence. It also rejected applications challenging the legality of the trial and seeking to halt it on fundamental-rights grounds.
The court’s decisions are procedural rulings in an ongoing case; the allegations remain allegations.
Oluwaseun Musa Lawal is an Editor at REPORTERS ROOM with over eight years of professional journalism experience. He specializes in reporting on politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial affairs. His work is driven by a commitment to accuracy, balanced reporting, and public-interest journalism.