Adeyanju Tenders Tinubu’s Video Urging Nigerians To Insult Him In Sowore/DSS Suit

Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Monday, testified as the first defence witness in the ongoing cyberbullying trial instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) against human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Testifying before Justice Umar Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Adeyanju told the court that he had known Sowore as a respected Nigerian citizen and the presidential candidate of the AAC.

He also tendered a video recording of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in support of the defence's case, which the court admitted in evidence and marked as an exhibit.

At the commencement of proceedings, the prosecution counsel, 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.

Responding, lead defence counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), dismissed the objection, maintaining that Adeyanju had never appeared as counsel in the case since he assumed responsibility for Sowore's defence.

Olumide-Fusika argued that there was no legal basis preventing Adeyanju from testifying as a defence witness.

He also informed the court that the defence had planned to play video clips as part of its case and had earlier notified the court registrar to provide a television monitor for the purpose. However, he said the equipment was unavailable.

Despite the setback, Olumide-Fusika told the court that the defence was prepared to proceed with its witness in compliance with the court's directive that Sowore should open his defence.

While giving evidence, Adeyanju told the court that he personally downloaded a video of President Tinubu, recorded before August 25, 2025, while the President was travelling to Benue State.

According to Adeyanju, President Tinubu said in the video that Nigerians should continue to criticise and even insult him on social media, describing such criticism as part of democratic governance.

He further testified that Tinubu also stated that security agencies and the judiciary should protect citizens' rights and should not be used to victimise or oppress Nigerians for criticising him or any other public office holder.

Adeyanju also told the court that social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, are interactive platforms where users voluntarily express their opinions. He added that users control access to their accounts and, in some instances, must grant permission before others can follow them.

Meanwhile, the prosecution urged the court to revoke Sowore's bail, arguing that the defendant had not fulfilled all the conditions attached to his release and should therefore be remanded in custody pending compliance.

In response, Olumide-Fusika explained that Sowore had travelled to Lagos to retrieve his passport from the United States Embassy. He said officials at the embassy were unable to process the request because of activities marking the U.S. Independence Day celebrations.

According to him, Sowore subsequently authorised another person to collect the passport on his behalf and deliver it to Abuja, stressing that the delay in meeting the bail condition was caused solely by administrative circumstances beyond his client's control.

Ruling on the issue, Justice Mohammed said the court would wait until 4:00 p.m. for the bail conditions to be perfected and urged the defence to ensure prompt compliance.

The judge added that the court did not want to create the impression that it was favouring either the prosecution or the defence.

Justice Mohammed thereafter adjourned the case until Monday, July 13, 2026, for the continuation of the defence.