Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has informed a Federal High Court in Abuja that he will represent himself in his ongoing alleged cyberbullying trial pending the constitution of a new legal team.
Sowore made the declaration before Justice Mohammed Umar after the case was called for the opening of his defence. He explained that his lawyers had withdrawn from appearing before the court following disagreements over the conduct of proceedings.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made false claims against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by describing him as “a criminal” in posts published on his social media accounts.
According to Sowore, it is his constitutional right to choose whether to be represented by counsel or to conduct his own defence. He also filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Umar from the case, alleging bias and unfair treatment.
The DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the application and argued that the trial should proceed in line with the court’s earlier order for day-to-day hearing.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to June 15, 2026, for a ruling on the recusal application and for the continuation of the defence.
The case has drawn significant public attention in recent weeks after the court dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission and ordered him to open his defence.
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