Cyberbullying: Sowore’s Trial Stalled as SANs Clash in Court

Tempers flared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday during the continuation of the criminal trial of activist Omoyele Sowore, as defence counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN) engaged in a heated exchange with prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN).

The drama unfolded after the defence sought another adjournment, citing delays in obtaining a Certified True Copy (CTC) of crucial court documents. Fusika argued that the registry had failed to release the approved records, making it impossible to proceed with cross-examination of a subpoenaed witness from the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kehinde opposed the application, accusing the defence of deliberately frustrating the trial. He urged the court to foreclose the defence’s case, insisting that repeated adjournments had stalled proceedings.

Responding, Fusika dismissed the allegation as “insulting,” stressing that the defence had acted diligently and that the delay was beyond its control.

The exchange escalated when Fusika interrupted Kehinde, describing him as a “persecutor” rather than a prosecutor. Justice Muhammed Umar immediately rebuked the defence counsel, warning that any repeat of such conduct would lead to disciplinary referral.

Justice Umar adjourned the matter until September 20, 2026, for continuation of the defence.

The Federal Government is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count charge of cyberbullying, accusing him of referring to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” on social media. Sowore has pleaded not guilty.

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