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DSS urges court to reject Sowore’s no-case submission

DSS urges court to reject Sowore’s no-case submission

From Vanguard · (1h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Department of State Services (DSS) urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a no-case submission by Omoyele Sowore.
  • Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, is on trial for allegedly making false claims against President Bola Tinubu.
  • The DSS counsel argued that Sowore failed to establish a prima facie case to warrant a defense.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has robustly urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to reject the no-case submission presented by human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore. Sowore stands accused of making unsubstantiated claims targeting President Bola Tinubu, a charge that strikes at the heart of national security and public trust.

The DSS, represented by its counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), presented a compelling argument before Justice […] that Sowore's submission lacks legal merit. The agency contends that Sowore has failed to demonstrate any grounds for a defense, thereby attempting to circumvent the judicial process and evade accountability for his alleged actions.

This legal battle underscores the critical importance of responsible journalism and the dissemination of information. While freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy, it is not absolute and does not shield individuals from the consequences of making false and damaging statements, particularly against the highest office in the land. The DSS's action reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public figures are protected from malicious falsehoods.

The court's decision on this matter will have significant implications for the ongoing trial and will set a precedent for future cases involving allegations of defamation and false claims against public officials. The DSS remains confident that the court will see through the defense's arguments and uphold the charges against Mr. Sowore, ensuring that justice is served.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.