Sowore's Lawyers Withdraw in DSS Defamation Case

Omoyele Sowore, the president of the African Action Congress (AAC), informed the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 4 that his lawyers had deserted him in his defamation trial against the Department of State Services (DSS). Sowore failed to open his defense during the proceedings on June 4, where he sought to have Justice Moham Garba Umar recused from the trial, alleging bias.

The DSS, represented by Akinlolu Kehinde SAN, did not oppose Sowore's oral application for recusal. Justice Umar, however, rejected the request and ruled that Sowore must open his defense on June 5.

Sowore's lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, indicated that Sowore would represent himself. The trial has been adjourned until June 15, following a request for a long adjournment.

The case involves allegations that Sowore made false claims against President Bola Tinubu through a Facebook post.