AGF Fagbemi Shows Up in Court for Sowore’s Defamation Case

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Tuesday personally appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja. 

The AGF is leading the prosecution in the ongoing trial of Omoyele Sowore over allegations of criminal defamation linked to comments made against President Bola Tinubu.

Fagbemi’s appearance drew attention inside the courtroom as he led a team of senior lawyers representing the prosecution.

Also present were the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), and Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), among other members of the legal team.

Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), is facing charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The charges stem from social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Tinubu as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts.

The DSS subsequently filed charges bordering on criminal defamation, cyberstalking and incitement.

At Tuesday’s proceedings before Justice Mohammed Umar, the Attorney-General urged the court to reject a request by the defence seeking to compel the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, to appear as a witness.

Fagbemi argued that the application was unnecessary and intended to prolong the case.

According to him, the DSS had already demonstrated its willingness to cooperate with the defence by making one of its officials available to testify during previous proceedings.

He maintained that compelling the DSS Director-General to personally appear in court would not add value to the case and would only delay the conclusion of the trial.

The prosecution further insisted that the matter should proceed without interruptions, stressing the need for an expeditious hearing.

The defence, however, maintained its position on the need for additional witnesses as part of its efforts to challenge the allegations against Sowore.

Justice Umar listened to submissions from both parties before adjourning for further proceedings.

The case has remained one of the most closely watched political trials in recent months because of its connection to comments made about the President and the broader debate surrounding freedom of expression and online publications in Nigeria.

Sowore has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Recall, the prosecution of Sowore  originated after a series of social media posts in which Sowore described President Tinubu as “a criminal.”

…s triggered investigations by security agencies, leading to charges of criminal defamation, cyberstalking and related offences.

Earlier in the trial, the Federal High Court dismissed a no-case submission filed by Sowore and ordered him to enter his defence.

The court held that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring an answer from the defendant.

Justice Mohammed Umar subsequently directed that the matter proceed with the defence opening its case.

The proceedings also witnessed arguments over documentary evidence and witness testimonies. On several occasions, the court ruled on objections raised by both parties regarding documents and the admissibility of evidence.

The Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, has repeatedly defended the right of the government to prosecute criminal matters through established legal processes.

Speaking on the role of the justice system in handling such cases, Fagbemi previously stated that “nobody is above the law” and that allegations brought before the courts must be resolved through due process rather than public opinion.

The AGF has also consistently maintained that the judiciary remains the appropriate forum for determining the guilt or innocence of any individual facing criminal allegations.