Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has indicated his intention to represent himself in court pending the reconstitution of his legal team in the ongoing alleged cyberbullying case.
Sowore informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday that his lawyers had withdrawn from the case, citing fear of humiliation during proceedings. He emphasized that it is his constitutional right to choose legal representation or represent himself.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against President Bola Tinubu, referring to him as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts. Justice Umar had previously fixed Friday for the defendant to open his defence and ruled that the trial would proceed on a day-to-day basis.
During proceedings, Sowore filed a motion on notice seeking the recusal of the judge, citing alleged bias and humiliation. DSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, opposed the application, describing it as an abuse of court process. The judge, however, said he would review the defendant’s submissions before ruling.
Justice Umar adjourned the matter to June 15 for ruling and for Sowore to formally open his defence. Sowore requested additional time to secure lawyers, referencing the upcoming Democracy Day celebration, but the judge reminded him of the existing day-to-day trial order.
Sowore’s decision to represent himself and file the recusal application marks a new phase in the case, which has drawn significant public attention given his profile as a journalist and activist.
