Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Monday testified as the first defence witness in the ongoing cyberbullying trial of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over alleged cyberbullying.
Testifying before Justice Umar Mohammed, Adeyanju said he had known Sowore as a respected Nigerian citizen and the presidential candidate of the AAC.
He tendered a video recording of President Bola Tinubu in support of the defence’s case, which was admitted in evidence and marked as an exhibit by the court.
Earlier, counsel to the DSS, Kehinde Akinlolu, objected to Adeyanju’s appearance as a witness, arguing that he was also counsel in the matter and was therefore not competent to testify.
However, lead defence counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), opposed the objection, stating that Adeyanju had never appeared as counsel in the case since he took over Sowore’s defence.
Olumide-Fusika argued that there was no legal impediment preventing Adeyanju from giving evidence as a defence witness.
He also informed the court that the defence had intended to play video clips during the proceedings and had requested a television monitor through the court registrar, but the equipment was unavailable.
Despite the development, the defence proceeded with its case in compliance with the court’s directive to open its defence.
While giving evidence, Adeyanju told the court that he personally downloaded a video of President Tinubu, recorded before Aug. 25, 2025, during the President’s trip to Benue State.
According to him, Tinubu stated in the video that Nigerians were free to criticise and even insult him on social media, describing such criticism as part of democratic governance.
Adeyanju further testified that the President also said security agencies and the judiciary should protect citizens’ rights and should not be used to victimise or oppress people for criticising public office holders.
He added that social media platforms, including X and Facebook, were interactive platforms where users voluntarily expressed their opinions and controlled access to their accounts.
Meanwhile, the prosecution urged the court to revoke Sowore’s bail, arguing that he had yet to fulfil all the conditions attached to his release and should be remanded in custody pending compliance.
Responding, Olumide-Fusika explained that Sowore travelled to Lagos to retrieve his passport from the United States Embassy but was unable to do so because of activities marking the U.S. Independence Day celebrations.
He said Sowore subsequently authorised another person to collect the passport on his behalf and deliver it to Abuja, adding that the delay in complying with the bail conditions was caused by administrative circumstances beyond the defendant’s control.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed said the court would wait until 4 p.m. for the bail conditions to be perfected and urged the defence to ensure prompt compliance.
The judge said the court did not want to create the impression that it was favouring either the prosecution or the defence.
The case was adjourned until July 13 for continuation of the defence.
