Sowore withdraws bid to subpoena DSS DG in defamation trial

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has withdrawn his attempt to subpoena the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, to testify in his alleged criminal defamation trial. Sowore informed the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that the evidence he sought from the DSS chief could be provided by another official within the service.

The withdrawal came after the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), objected to the subpoena. Fagbemi argued that the document Sowore intended to present, a letter from the DSS asking him to delete a Facebook post critical of President Bola Tinubu, was not authored or signed by the DSS Director-General. He also noted that the letter's author had already testified, rendering the DG's appearance unnecessary.

Sowore's counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), initially contested the Attorney General's intervention, questioning the notice given for his appearance. However, Sowore ultimately decided not to insist on the DSS Director-General's presence, acknowledging that the required evidence could be obtained through alternative means. Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case until August 3 for the continuation of the defense.