Cybercrime trial: DSS asks court to reject Sowore’s request for DG’s testimony

The prosecution has opposed Omoyele Sowore’s request for Department of State Services Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi to testify in his cybercrime trial.

According to P.M. News, prosecution counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told Justice Mohammed Umar that a DSS official could represent Ajayi, citing Supreme Court precedent supporting such representation.

“The prosecution had made it clear that an official of the DSS would be nominated to represent the Director General,” Kehinde said.

However, Sowore’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, argued that Ajayi must appear because the subpoena and hearing notice were issued in his name. He said a DSS witness had indicated that some questions could only be answered by Ajayi.

Justice Umar adjourned the case until October 6 to rule on the request.

Sowore faces charges over 2025 social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused him of misrepresenting Nigeria’s corruption level. The defence maintains Ajayi’s testimony is necessary to address questions raised during evidence.