Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Bornet .k
Human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja for additional time to secure subpoenas compelling the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, to appear as witnesses in his ongoing cybercrime and criminal defamation trial.
Sowore’s request was made during proceedings on Wednesday after a DSS official, Uwem Davies, testified that he acted on the instruction of the agency’s Director-General when he issued a letter directing the activist to remove social media posts concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The defence team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, argued that the testimony of the DSS witness raised important questions that required direct clarification from the agency’s leadership. The lawyer told the court that Davies was unable to provide satisfactory answers to certain issues during cross-examination, making the appearance of the DSS Director-General necessary.
“We intend to apply for a subpoena to compel the Director-General of the DSS to appear before this Honourable Court, following issues raised during the witness’s testimony,” Olumide-Fusika told the court.
The defence also informed the court that it had previously attempted to subpoena Bayo Onanuga but was unable to complete service of the required court documents because court bailiffs could not reach him.
During his testimony, Davies confirmed that he authored a letter dated January 22, directing Sowore to delete certain social media publications. He told the court that the letter was written based on instructions from the DSS Director-General because the agency considered the posts capable of creating tension.
“I wrote the letter on the instruction of the Director-General because the publications were considered capable of creating tension,” the DSS official stated.
However, Davies denied responsibility for another letter dated September 7, 2025, which was addressed to Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. He told the court that the letter was prepared by a retired DSS officer identified as B. Bamigboye.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and long-time government critic, is facing charges relating to alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation. The case has attracted public attention due to wider debates around freedom of expression, online speech and the limits of government intervention in digital communication.
The defence has maintained that testimony from senior officials is important to establish the circumstances surrounding the DSS directives and the government’s actions regarding Sowore’s social media activities.
The prosecution, however, has continued to present its case through witnesses who have testified about the alleged offences and the actions taken by relevant authorities.
The dispute comes amid ongoing national discussions over the regulation of online platforms, misinformation and the balance between national security concerns and citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression.
Legal observers say the decision of the court on the requested subpoenas could influence the direction of the trial, particularly if senior government officials are required to provide evidence directly before the court.
The Federal High Court has adjourned the matter until July 28 for continuation of the defence’s case.
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