Sowore’s alleged defamation trial halted as lawyers trade words in open court

War of words by two Senior Advocates of Nigeria SAN, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika and Akinlolu Kehinde on Monday stalled the continuation of trial of the Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress AAC, Omoyele Sowore in the defamation charges brought against him by the Department of the State Service DSS.

At the Monday’s proceedings, heated argument arose when lead lawyer to Sowore, Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN applied for an adjournment of proceedings on the ground that the document he needed for the day had just been released to him by the Court registrar.

Olumide-Fusika said he applied for the documents on July 26, approved for him by the trial judge, Mohammed Garba Umar on July 27 but said it was just released to him on August 3.

He sought an adjournment to enable him study the documents and prepare for cross examination of his next witness, who is an official of the DSS.

At this point, DSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde SAN, opposed the adjournment application describing it as dilatory tactics to further delay proceedings in the trial, holding that the Judge should foreclose the defense of Sowore,

He accused the defense of trying to frustrate proceedings and urged the Judge to resist the adjournment request.

Angered by the response of the DSS lawyer, Olumide-Fusika SAN kicked against the use of dilatory tactics against him and in furious manners, said he was no longer ready to take nonsense from the DSS lawyer.

He openly called the DSS lawyer a persecutor using foul language in the open court. Tension rose when Olumide-Fusika insisted that dilatory tactics is an insult.

Shouting on top of his voice Olumide-Fusika said, “What sort of talk is that. I am no longer going to allow you to take my calm attitude for granted.

“My calmness should not be taken for granted. Deal with the facts. What exactly are these alleged dilatory tactics?”

DSS lawyer in reply said “The point I am trying to make is that from March until now, only one witness has been called.”

Following the heated argument and exchange of unpleasant words Justice Mohammed Garba Umar intervened saying.

“I respect you enough. Any more of this conduct and I will refer you to the appropriate disciplinary body.”

“This should be the last time. If you are no longer interested in the case, you should say so.”

“You cannot behave in my court in that manner.”

“I am adjourning this matter. I am not in a position to continue hearing the case today.”

Without consulting the two lawyers, Justice Umar shifted the matter to 20 September 2026 for continuation of the defence.

Kehinde SAN, thereafter apologised to the Judge, the bar and the entire people in the court, holding that the bar had been lowered with the conducts in the court.