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Sowore to Defend Himself in Cyberbullying Trial as He Files Recusal Motion
Sowore told the Federal High Court that his lawyers would no longer appear in the case, prompting him to defend himself while seeking a new legal team.
Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore has announced that he will represent himself in court while he assembles a new legal team in his ongoing alleged cyberbullying case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Sowore made the announcement on Friday before Justice Mohammed Umar after his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, failed to appear in court.
The development comes a day after Justice Umar ordered that the trial be conducted on a day-to-day basis and fixed Friday for the defendant to begin presenting his defence.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he falsely accused President Bola Tinubu of being “a criminal” in social media posts shared on X and Facebook.
When asked about the absence of his legal counsel, Sowore said his lawyers had withdrawn from the proceedings because they felt intimidated by their treatment in court.
“Our lawyers indicated to me they are afraid before you and will not appear any longer because of the humiliation they suffered before this court.
“And pending the time I am able to re-constitute a new legal team, I shall be representing myself before your lordship,” he stated.
Sowore maintained that the Constitution guarantees his right to choose legal representation and informed the court that he had filed two applications, one of which sought Justice Umar’s recusal.
“A motion on notice filed yesterday, June 4, 2026, and served on the prosecutor earlier this morning.
“The application is motion on notice for a recusal,” he said.
The defendant then asked the judge to step aside from the case, alleging bias and humiliation. He relied on provisions of Section 36 of the Constitution to support his application.
DSS counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) opposed the motion, arguing that it was procedurally defective because the copy served on the prosecution was unsigned.
However, Justice Umar pointed out that the court’s copy contained the signature of Marshall Abubakar.
The judge also cautioned against relying on technicalities, telling the prosecution: “We presume it is Marshall Abubakar that signed it. I will not condone any technical move from you.”
Kehinde further urged the court to dismiss the application, describing it as “an abuse of court process meant to annoy and irritate this court.”
He reminded the court that the Chief Judge had already directed that the case proceed and noted that there was an existing order requiring the defence to open its case.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Umar said he would study the application before delivering a ruling.
Although he initially proposed Monday for the ruling, Sowore sought more time to secure legal representation and referred to the Democracy Day holiday period.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until June 15 for ruling on the recusal application and for the continuation of the defence proceedings.
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