Publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Monday opened his defence in the alleged cybercrime case filed against him by the Federal Government, calling human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju as his first defence witness.

Proceedings took a dramatic turn when the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, objected to Adeyanju’s appearance as a witness. Kehinde argued that Adeyanju was a counsel on record for Sowore and, as such, could not lawfully testify in the same matter.

Responding to the objection, Sowore’s lead counsel, Olumide Fusika, described the prosecution’s argument as baseless. He told the court that the law permits a lawyer who intends to testify in a case to withdraw as counsel on record before giving evidence.

Fusika informed the court that Adeyanju had already stepped aside from the legal team representing Sowore, thereby removing any legal impediment to his appearance as a witness.

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 development marks the commencement of the defence phase in Sowore’s trial, following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case

.
The alleged cybercrime charges against Sowore have attracted significant public attention, with rights groups and civil society organisations closely monitoring the proceedings because of their implications for freedom of expression, press freedom and the administration of justice.

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