The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking to compel the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, to personally appear as a witness in his ongoing cyberbullying trial.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar held that the testimony sought by the defence related to official actions of the DSS and was not personal to the agency's director-general.
The judge ruled that any duly authorised official of the DSS could testify on behalf of the organisation, rejecting the argument that Ajayi's personal appearance was necessary for the proceedings.
Sowore, through his counsel, Adeyinka Olumide Fusika (SAN), had requested the court to compel the DSS chief to testify on matters relating to the agency's role in the case instituted against him.
The DSS, represented by Akinlolu Thomas Kehinde (SAN), opposed the application, contending that the matter concerned official duties of the security agency and could be handled by another competent officer delegated for that purpose.
Monday's decision marks another setback for the former presidential candidate in the case. Earlier applications challenging the proceedings on grounds of alleged violations of his fundamental rights and a preliminary objection to the charge were dismissed by the court.
In a separate development, an application seeking the recusal of the trial judge was also rejected by the Chief Judge.
Following the latest ruling, the defence called its third witness, Michael Jego, a DSS investigating officer, who began giving evidence before the court.
Sowore is facing trial over allegations of cyberbullying linked to statements concerning President Bola Tinubu. The matter was subsequently adjourned for the continuation of proceedings.
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