Tinubu Govt Objects As Sowore Calls Adeyanju In Cybercrime Trial

The publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has opened his defence in the cybercrime charges instituted against him by the Federal Government.

Naija News reports that Sowore commenced his defence by calling human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, as his first witness.

However, proceedings witnessed an objection from the prosecution after Adeyanju was called to the witness stand.

The prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, objected to Adeyanju testifying in the case, arguing that the human rights lawyer was listed as a counsel on record for Sowore.

Kehinde contended that Adeyanju could not act as counsel in the case and also appear as a witness for the defendant.

The prosecution consequently urged the court not to allow him to give evidence.

Responding to the objection, Sowore’s counsel, Olumide Fusika, described the prosecution’s argument as baseless.

Fusika argued that the law permits a lawyer who is expected to testify in a case to step aside from the legal team before appearing as a witness.

According to him, Adeyanju had already withdrawn as counsel on record in the matter and was therefore competent to testify.

He maintained that the prosecution had provided no legal basis for preventing Adeyanju from appearing as a defence witness.

After considering the arguments of both parties, the court overruled the prosecution’s objection and allowed Adeyanju to proceed with his testimony.

The court held that Adeyanju could testify as a witness following his withdrawal as counsel in the case.