Court Rejects Sowore's Uncertified Document in Defamation Case

On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed an attempt by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, to present an uncertified court document in his defense against criminal defamation charges. Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services for allegedly labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” in social media posts.

Sowore's counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), sought to introduce the document through third witness Wayne Elijah, who claimed to have received it while part of Sowore's former legal team. Prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) objected, stating that only original or Certified True Copies of court records are admissible.

Justice Mohammed Umar upheld the objection, emphasizing the need for certification to ensure the document's integrity. During cross-examination, Elijah acknowledged his presence in court but maintained he was intermittently present.

Additionally, Uwem Davies, a principal officer at the DSS, testified that he authored a letter instructing Sowore to retract his posts, which he claimed were causing national tension.