SOWORE OPENS DEFENCE IN ALLEGED CYBERCRIME TRIAL????????

The Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has opened his defence in the alleged cybercrime case instituted against him by the Federal Government.

The Federal Government, through the (DSS), is prosecuting Sowore over alleged cyberstalking arising from social media posts in which he referred to President as a “criminal.”

At the commencement of the defence, Sowore called human rights lawyer and activist as his first defence witness.

However, the prosecution, led by, objected to Adeyanju’s appearance as a witness, arguing that he was counsel on record for the defendant and was therefore not competent to testify.

Responding to the objection, Sowore’s counsel, argued that the objection lacked merit. He told the court that the law permits a lawyer who is expected to testify in a case to withdraw as counsel before giving evidence, adding that Adeyanju had already stepped aside from the matter.

After hearing submissions from both parties, the court overruled the prosecution’s objection and held that Adeyanju was competent to testify, allowing him to proceed as the first defence witness.

The ruling marked the commencement of the defence stage of the trial following the close of the prosecution’s case.

The alleged cybercrime charges against Sowore have drawn widespread public attention, with civil society organisations, legal practitioners and human rights advocates closely monitoring the proceedings because of their implications for freedom of expression, press freedom and the administration of justice in Nigeria.

The case was subsequently adjourned for the continuation of the defence.

Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine