DSS cyberbullying case heats up as Sowore insists on self-representation and fair trial

By Our Correspondent

The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a tense legal moment on Friday as Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, announced that he would represent himself in an ongoing cyberbullying trial and simultaneously requested that the presiding judge withdraw from the case over alleged bias.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged false and derogatory statements made against President Bola Tinubu on his social media accounts, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
When the case was called before Justice Mohammed Umar at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Sowore informed the court that his legal team was no longer willing to continue with the case, citing fear arising from previous proceedings.
He told the court that his lawyers felt humiliated and intimidated during earlier sessions and had decided to withdraw from further representation. He therefore opted to continue the trial on his own while making arrangements to constitute a new legal team.
Sowore also maintained that he has a constitutional right to change or choose his legal representation at any stage of a trial.
Court proceedings showed that the DSS prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), was the only lawyer present, as Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, was absent when the matter resumed.
During the session, Sowore informed the court that he had filed two motions, one of which had already been served on the prosecution. Among them was an application seeking the recusal of Justice Umar on grounds of alleged bias and humiliation.
Arguing the motion personally, Sowore urged the judge to step aside in the interest of justice, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The prosecution opposed the application, describing it as incompetent and an abuse of court process. Kehinde also argued that the motion was defective, claiming it failed to properly identify the counsel who prepared it.
However, Justice Umar clarified that court records showed the motion was duly signed by Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, dismissing the prosecution’s objection on technical grounds. The judge cautioned against what he described as unnecessary technical arguments.
The prosecution further urged the court to dismiss the recusal request, stating that there was already a directive from the Chief Judge mandating an accelerated hearing of the case, and warning that the defence risked being foreclosed if not ready to proceed.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Umar said he would need time to consider the application and adjourned the matter.
Sowore, however, requested additional time, saying he was still trying to secure new legal representation and also referencing the Democracy Day period as part of his plea for adjournment.
Despite his request, the court fixed June 15 for ruling on the recusal application and continuation of the defence, while maintaining the earlier order for day-to-day hearing.